Sir, – Martin McDonald (Letters, December 20th) highlights the difficulty in attracting talented people to politics and the consequences for effective government.
Ireland is not alone in facing this problem. The French solution to the challenge was to build a well-remunerated civil service, attracting the best from their universities, and rewarding achievement with recognition and honours.
Anyone with experience in France will testify to their success in healthcare, infrastructure, social services, transport, housing, and education – to name a few.
In Ireland, by contrast, we collectively freak out at the mention of a six-figure salary for anyone in public service. – Yours, etc,
RM Block
JOHN GRIFFIN,
Kells,
Co Meath.
