Paul Gogarty has today called for an 8% reduction in salary for TDs, Senators, and Higher Grade Civil Servants for a period of two years so as to show leadership on the issue of getting our economy restarted.

Enda Kenny has stated on Radio that he doesn't support the idea - he wants to see three Junior Ministers given the sack instead.

Fine Gael can do the talk, but they won't walk the walk (when it means a paycut for them).

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"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest." Mark Twain

“When a government is dependent upon bankers for money, they and not the leaders of the government control the situation, since the hand that gives is above the hand that takes. Money has no motherland; financiers are without patriotism and without decency; their sole object is gain.” Napoléon Bonaparte

He only said it because he knows it won't happen. He can look good without any chance of sacrificing his generous salary.

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"Sorry, I must be getting mixed up with the voices in my ear"-Willie O'Dea 21/08/08

Unless he gives 8% of his salary to charity from now on.

On the face of it, it would seem be a smart move for Cowen to propose it though (even just for TD's and Senators).

Put it to a vote and see if FG oppose it then. It would put FG on the spot and would steal a bit of their thunder in criticising the government for lack of leadership on wage restraint.

In fairness to Kenny though, he's right about the surplus of junior ministers. Would the world stop spinning if Martin Mansergh were no longer overseeing state capital spending on confectionary retail facilities?

Have an 8% pay cut for TDs and reduce the number of junior ministers!

And in fairness this is a Paul Gogarty policy not a Green Party policy.

maybe Enda should now promise that if and when he gets into government he will reduce the number of junior minister by three, but sure our td's and senators have made a small sacrifice already, as they will be getting no pay increase for atleast 11 months.

The money saved would be trivial, but a pay reduction for deputies would send the right signals.

Will Gogarty Vote against the Finance Bill if the 8% reduction is not introduced - no, he won't, Will Finian McGrath vote against the bill if there are front line health cuts no he wont, because time and time again these men have been shown up to be the spineless cowards that they are.

So unless you agree with every policy in every piece of legislation, you should vote against it? That would make government impossible.

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“Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen” - Albert Einstein

No I just can't stand this thing that Backbench TD's get involved with where they try to be in opposition and support the government at the same time. He says that they should cut TD and Senator Salaries by 8%, I sincerly doubt it will happen as does he, and when its not done, I bet you won't hear him mention it again.