Madam, - I would have more time for the strictures of Minister for Finance Brian Cowen regarding wage levels and for the Taoiseach's backing for Ibec's stance on this matter had not our elected representatives voted themselves massive pay rises.
The fact that Mr Ahern now earns more than every government leader in the EU bar Mr Blair and Ms Angela Merkel (both leaders of much bigger countries than this one) should be a factor in whether or not we take note of his pronouncements on wage levels for ordinary folk. - Yours, etc,
JOHN R. BAILEY, Cowper Downs, Dublin 6.