A change in the Constitution to reduce Dail representation to 1 TD per 100,000 of full-time adult residents would save millions annually, particularly in dupicated/triplicated pensions.

They might follow this by abolishing, by law, all so-called “Political Donations”. These have been the main springboard for the explosion in the cost of building land, which in turn has fuelled wage demands, as mortgage and bank lending got out of control.

“Lead from the front” used to be the battle cry of generals.

In this instance, it would be by example. Cowen must grasp the nettle, boldly, without fear of any political fall out.

It may well be that he is afraid of O’Connor, Begg and the other bully boys in the unions.

His predecessor had no such fears. They were his best buddies, to whom de Bert capitulated on every occasion.

Those days are over. Blackmail must be met with prompt action.

If O’Connor follows his rant, threatening strikes, union funds must be sequestered & placed under the control of the Labour Court & the Central Bank – for the benefit of the members – not for Begg & O’Connor and their fat pay cheques and expenses.

Without the union funds, Begg & the rest of the beards are powerless – All Wind and Water, like the Barber’s Cat.

On the jobs cuts figures – as far as I know 20,000 is about right for the numbers that will leave the public service through retirement, moving on to something else or whatever. Theoretically, a complete ban on recruitment will deliver the numbers required, except that it would be impossible to proceed in that way. Reform of the public service is far more interesting.

Back to the department of Craic and crack it so!