Fees paid to barristers

Madam, - Doesn't the heart bleed for Conor McGuire SC and his high-flying colleagues who may be forced to subsist on a paltry €1,000-plus per day, if Charlie McCreevy has his way.

How can any country justify paying exorbitant fees like those paid to (some) barristers and senior counsel, especially a country like ours where we have the third-highest poverty level in the Western world. And let us also remember the starving millions and abject misery rife all over our planet earth.

Tighten your belts, boys, and get your priorities right for heavens sake! - Yours, etc.,

MARIE KELLY GANNON,

Achill Island,

Co Mayo.