Diarmuid Doyle's article (Comment, 6 December) bemoaning a supposedly one-sided reaction of the media to the unions 'more holidays' solution to the nation's exchequer crisis, was hypocritical in the extreme.

His article failed to balance his obvious loyalty to the trade-union movement with the very reasonable opinion of the majority in this country, namely, that having a privileged class in this society who have jobs for life, 25% higher remuneration than their neighbours and guaranteed pensions, is anathema to social cohesion or any notion of solidarity.

Unemployment and wage cuts are real and genuine horrors suffered daily by the private sector while the public sector are concerned with reclaiming 12 unpaid days over three years. Unreal. Literally.

When in work tomorrow, while his pals in the public sector are having one of their three mandated daily breaks, should we outside the castle be let eat cake?

Keith Redmond,

Howth Road,

Sutton, Dublin 13