Cuts must apply, even on salaries
Northern Ireland first minister Peter Robinson yesterday gave a stark warning on the scale of the public spending cuts that will be inflicted on the province's governmental departments because of the depressed economic situation.
Mr Robinson indicated that the budget reductions will be spread across the board and he urged ministers from the various parties not to play politics over the cuts.
As DUP leader, he said he has told party colleagues in ministerial posts to set aside department interests and allow a united power-sharing executive to face what he describes as tough economic challenges ahead.
Mr Robinson said: "Narrow party political considerations will only result in a compromise which serves political interests, but not the public."
The Treasury in London is demanding cuts of up to 25 per cent, but frontline services, particularly health and policing, must be protected. Indeed, the Westminster government is on record as stating that finance for legitimate and pressing health demands will be ring-fenced.
This must also apply here in Northern Ireland where these functions are continually under critical pressure.
The first minister's plea coincides with revelations that 71 civil servants at Stormont are paid in excess of 100,000 per year.
Undoubtedly, this is a matter which should be closely looked at by the Office of First and Deputy First Minister.
Finance minister Sammy Wilson may not have the legal ability to impose pay penalties and reductions for those in receipt of such bloated earnings, but the devolved executive cannot expect the public to swallow huge cuts while tolerating excessive salary payments for senior civil servants.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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