Sir, - There has been considerable comment about the nurses' wage claims and the likely knock-on effect in the public service. May I point out that while many people's wages and salaries are more or less what they were five years ago, in that time house prices have trebled and rents have doubled. In addition, with the sterling differential of 20 per cent it is obvious that there have been many price increases in imported foods and goods.
Those fortunate enough to make their living from banking, stockmarket, property, building and the law may well have seen their incomes rise in line with property. Many others are not so fortunate.
The Government should not worry only about the nurses seeking a roof over their heads, food on their plates and creches for their babies, but the van drivers, the security men, the cleaners, the shop assistants, the farmers and all the others who have been bypassed by the boom, although they have helped to make it.
Significant wage inflation would seem to be the likely result, a factor apparently ignored in the latest ESRI report.
It is not greed. It is just a necessity. - Yours, etc.,
William King, Furryhill, Naas, Co Kildare.