Finance spokesman for Sinn Fein Pearse Doherty recently insisted that his party would reduce the salaries of TDs and ministers and the pensions that would be available to them on retirement.

Mr Doherty said his party would prevent TDs drawing pensions early, “that people should only be able to receive their pensions at full retirement age”.

Other parties did not support its initiative because “they are not there for ordinary working people”, he claimed.

“They voted to increase the pension age for ordinary workers while allowing a section of TDs to draw down full pensions at the age of 50.”

In response and in line with the policy He said his party had gifted money back to the State in the past. “We haven’t accepted any of the increases that we’ve seen over the last number of years.”

Mr Doherty added that he had also given back about €9,000 to the State, something he had not previously made public.

There has be a demand that the pay disparity and inequality to be addressed by the General Irish public and calls that the policy should go even further. In consultation with the Yellow vest movement in Ireland and its followers a list of addtioanl changes should be made.

1. Salaries for TDs, Senators and councilors in line with the average industrial wage

2. An end to ministerial Political privilege pensions unless 31 years served in public office. 

3. An end to severance and gratuity pay on not being re-elected.

4. Pensions for all Public servant on and not before the age of 65 in line with every other citizen of Ireland. 

5. No conflict of interest posting for ministerial positions. 

6. Immediate end to expenses and perks that no other employee in Ireland receives.

7. Lifetime ban on representation to interest and lobby groups for the purpose of easy access to government departments. 

Public Office in Ireland should be seen as the greatest privilege a citizen should be awarded and that is where it should end. Many politician's go on to very rewarding careers serving on the boards of other institutions and organisations. Great rewards should only come with hard work.