University presidents' pay claim

Madam, - In defence of the proposal to raise the salaries of the presidents of Irish universities to more than 10 times the …

Madam, - In defence of the proposal to raise the salaries of the presidents of Irish universities to more than 10 times the average industrial wage, Dr Edward Walsh repeats the tired old mantra that it is necessary to pay top dollar in order to attract candidates of the highest calibre (Education Today, January 16th).

The implication is that those who rise to the top in human endeavour are motivated primarily by financial gain. This assertion is at best debatable; at worst it is grossly insulting to all who strive for success in their chosen field. It is worrying in the extreme that it should come from someone entrusted with the education of Ireland's future leaders. - Yours, etc,

Dr ANDREW LEARY, Ballysaggartbegmore, Lismore, Co Waterford.