Arizona Governor v Brian Cowen

Had a fascinating conversation today with an American from Phoenix, Arizona. He was telling me that Arizona is comparable with the Irish Republic in many ways. For a start, there are roughly four million people in the state; just like Ireland. Then, the economy is of a similar size - as in GDP if Arizona was a sovereign country - with a similar mix of revenue-producing sectors. But then the doozy - Arizona's Governor, according to him, is paid roughly $70,000 a year. As the whole world knows by now, Brian Cowen, the Taoiseach, is paid more than President Barack Obama, well over €200,000, with an unvouched expense account and personal driver and car. I think the people of Arizona can count themselves lucky they don't have to stump-up for our politicians!