O'Cuiv tells FF backbenchers that OAP won't be cut

[PaddyJoe]

At least according to the Sunday Times story. It looks like means testing is on the agenda.

Eamon O Cuív, the social protection minister, has ruled out an across-the-board cut in the state pension but means-testing individuals with large private pensions remains on the agenda.

A number of backbench TDs have told The Sunday Times O Cuív assured them in private conversations on Friday that he would not be slashing the standard pension rate of €219 per week

Within Fianna Fail there is fury at both the nature of the proposal and O Cuív’s handling of the issue. Deputies are concerned about a repeat of the medical card fiasco following the October 2008 budget, when 15,000 elderly people marched on the Dail in protest at proposals to means test the medical card.

“You just don’t throw a timebomb out there like that on this issue,” said one junior minister. “You can’t just say ‘I’m not ruling it in or out’ and just leave it hanging. People in the party are very annoyed at how O Cuív has approached it.”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle7127781.ece

[Newsy]

O'Cuiv isn't the most 'polished' ffer there is.

[PaddyJoe]

I have a theory that he's not half as slow as a lot of people think he is. Look at it like this. He knows that Finance is coming swinging at his department with a big axe. What better way to sidestep than by preempting them and going public on the notion of OAP cuts. Sit back for a couple of days and wait for the floods of public outrage and worried backbench TDs. Then suggest some kind of means testing for high earners which will take effect only after 2012. Finance backs off and the job is oxo.

[Newsy]

I have a theory that he's not half as slow as a lot of people think he is. Look at it like this. He knows that Finance is coming swinging at his department with a big axe. What better way to sidestep than by preempting them and going public on the notion of OAP cuts. Sit back for a couple of days and wait for the floods of public outrage and worried backbench TDs. Then suggest some kind of means testing for high earners which will take effect only after 2012. Finance backs off and the job is oxo.

I have to say, a very interesting theory.

It makes a great deal of sense.

[Xray]

I have a theory that he's not half as slow as a lot of people think he is. Look at it like this. He knows that Finance is coming swinging at his department with a big axe. What better way to sidestep than by preempting them and going public on the notion of OAP cuts. Sit back for a couple of days and wait for the floods of public outrage and worried backbench TDs. Then suggest some kind of means testing for high earners which will take effect only after 2012. Finance backs off and the job is oxo.

I think you have it there.

I cannot for the life of me figure out why I should save any money, have any pension or earn any extra money. Beyond a certain income you are not allowed to keep it and below a certain level you cannot fall.

[C. Flower]

On the nail. General Election still possibly on then.

[Xray]

On the nail. General Election still possibly on then.

I still doubt it. I would love to believe, but I just don't.

[ZANU-FF]

so if some posts are to be understood

Person A pays taxes for 50 years works hard, saves, makes investments

Person B never works, never worked, worked for cash, stashes cash

Person A will not receive State Pension

Person B will

Ireland 'the land of undeserved wealth transfer' drop your pants and bend over

[Xray]

so if some posts are to be understood

Person A pays taxes for 50 years works hard, saves, makes investments

Person B never works, never worked, worked for cash, stashes cash

Person A will not receive State Pension

Person B will

Ireland 'the land of undeserved wealth transfer' drop your pants and bend over

One key fact you missed there, person A will be told they are getting a state pension so that they continue to pay into it and their AVCs also. Then at the last minute in the interest of fairness it will be taken away and they will work until they are 68 to support person B.

To be even fairer again person As house will be sold so that they can live in the same HSE home as person B in crappy conditions.

[Baron von Biffo]

Lenihan had no problem with pumping €1.5M of taxpayers money onto Richie Boucher's pension fund. Boucher had a legitimate expectation we were told. There's nothing the government can do to end the scandal of politicians or former politicians receiving a full state salary and a full ministerial at the same time. Legitimate expectations again don't you see.

People over 70 who cancelled or downgraded their health insurance because they were granted a medical card for life had no such legitimate expectation. Neither did the blind or disabled. Likewise, PS workers who took on financial commitments on the strength of their contracted salaries had no legitimate expectation that those salaries would be paid. And now we're told that paying PRSI all your life may no longer entitle you to the OAP. No legitimate expectation there either it seems.

The picture is very clear, expectations are only legitimate if those who harbour them contributed to the country going belly up.

Are you a senior politician who took irresponsible decisions and inflated the bubble? Here's your pension sir. Is there anything else we can do for you? A nice sinecure perhaps?

Are you a banker who was part of the senior management team that drove the bank to the wall? Here's €1.5M sir, will that be enough? Salary cap? LOL, that's just pap for the riff raff sir. Would you like to retire at 55 sir?

Are you an ordinary, honest, tax payer? Trades man's entrance is round the back. Wipe your feet and empty your pocket into the brown envelope on the table.

[Kid Ryder]

I have a theory that he's not half as slow as a lot of people think he is. Look at it like this. He knows that Finance is coming swinging at his department with a big axe. What better way to sidestep than by preempting them and going public on the notion of OAP cuts. Sit back for a couple of days and wait for the floods of public outrage and worried backbench TDs. Then suggest some kind of means testing for high earners which will take effect only after 2012. Finance backs off and the job is oxo.

There's only one problem with this. Such a measure saves pennies. Finance is looking for billions. And the elderly are only one component of the electorate. So they dump on 'Breakfast Roll Man' and his family instead? Are FF trying to figure out who they can pi$$ right off with least danger to their electoral performance?