15/10/2008

McAleese Volunteers 10% Pay Cut

The Irish President has announced she is to relent 10% of her salary in solidarity with yesterday’' announcement that her Government Ministers would take a reduction.

In a short statement from the presidential office, Áras an Úachtarain, a spokesperson said: "President McAleese has this morning informed the Government of her intention to surrender 10% of her salary in light of the current national budgetary situation."

"Other public servants in leadership and senior positions may wish to consider whether it is appropriate for them to make a similar move in current circumstances," he added.

During Tuesday's budget, Finance Minister Brian Lenihan announced that Ministers, Junior Ministers and some senior civil servants will take a 10% cut in current total pay.

However, the pay cut still means Irish politicians remain the highest paid in Europe, with the average wage of €202,675 well above the salary of the politicians from Europe's most powerful economy, Germany, who manage to get by on the diminutive sum of €154,324.

(DW)

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