Originally Posted by Chris

Which makes precisely no difference whatsoever. He's in a high-pressure job with long hours and serious responsibilities. The compensation he receives in pay and benefits is by no means excessive.

And, seeing as Arthur mentioned the police protection, that's because the Provos spent years plotting to kill our politicians and because these days there are most likely a few Islamist nutters who would like to have a go as well. Carping about police protection for our senior politicians is an extremely low blow IMO and simply demonstrates the real motivation behind some of the comments posted in this thread.