It is alarming to note that the European Parliament members, along with a myriad of ancillary workers, strenuously advocate, nay demand, that EU member states - particularly those in the eurozone - exercise restraint and apply stringent austerity measures to those nation's public sector workers. A crucial section of these measures is directed at pay and pensions and involves either a drastic reduction or a freeze on such remuneration.

However, it is manifestly apparent that such fiscal responsibility, accountability and moderation in relation to pay, pensions and a plethora of other massive perks including, but not limited to, expense, travel, appearance, relocation allowances etc., is not on the EU Parliament's austerity measure agenda. For it is highly evident that these fiscal restrictions only apply to mere mortals and obviously do not impinge upon the great and the good elevated and sanctimonious occupants of such positions on the EU payroll. For they appear immune and untrammelled by any necessity to curb or reduce what I would argue are already vastly bloated and inordinate, bordering on the prurient, allowances, remuneration and many other perks. It is rather a case of two weights with no measures - and a do as I say, not do as I do policy!

It is evident that the EU gravy train that is the pay, pension and expense allowance structure forges relentlessly on at full steam ahead with the further addition of even more lucrative carriages en route. This small ditty accurately depicts the hypocrisy: Of all the torments, both common and rare, I can endure my own despair...but not another's false promise or hope.

And we are indeed tormented by such double standards clearly demonstrated by these unaccountable elite.