Sir, - The introduction of a minimum wage is a sign of significant progress. While some employers are concerned about the potential impact of the measure on certain types of job, the general consensus is that it provides a reasonable floor for the income of many of the low-paid.
I note with interest the comments of Ciaran Lynch, chairman of the Labour Party's Ballyphehane Branch (March 14th) and his description of the highest minimum wage in Europe as "derisory".
What is interesting about his letter is that it is representative of an almost desperate wish of certain sections to claim some sort of credit for a measure which they studiously ignored when in a position to do something about it. It is the self-righteous and condemnatory tone which is hardest to take in the circumstances.
For the record, the introduction of a minimum wage - which will benefit over 163,000 workers on lower pay - was promised during the last election by the Taoiseach and is being delivered by him and Mary Harney in Government. For the information of Mr Lynch, a certain Ruairi Quinn was minister in the relevant department in recent years. - Yours, etc.,
Frank O'Flynn, MCC, Glanworth, Co Cork.