Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

It sounds as if the Cabinet has gone in like a negotiating group with a shop steward at its shoulder and told people that Ministers should get a certain amount. The salary increases are unacceptable to most people. The increases would be difficult to justify at any time, but they are almost impossible to justify given the economy's difficult situation. Where is the Minister for Finance's leadership? Yesterday, he told people — we will not use the "W" word again — that they should show restraint in their comments.

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