Comment: TD pay rise is a bit rich.

TIMING is important with many things in life, none more so than in politics.

Just days after telling teachers they will be getting no pay rise, news of a request by TDs for a 20 per cent raise is incredible.

And what makes this request for a fat salary boost insulting is that the call comes as inflation now hits 6.8 per cent.

The move would bring a TD's basic salary up from pounds 41,000 to pounds 49,000.

The Taoiseach's pay would rise to pounds 120,000, ministers would get an extra pounds 6,000 up to pounds 96,000 and junior ministerial wages would increase to pounds 65,000.

It does not seem right that one group should be given such a hefty pay rise while teachers and health workers are denied.

Charlie McCreevy is quite right to be cautious over granting a rise that would leave many people fuming.

The government is already facing strike action next week from workers who have seen their earnings eroded over the last year.

No-one is denying that TDs work long hours and the job can be very stressful.

But other workers also give a sterling service and the finance minister should remember this.