Letter: In this together?

The case for more transparency on the question of bankers' bonuses becomes stronger by the day (your report, 10 January). The Westminster coalition will surely stand or fall depending on how it can persuade voters that the sector is getting fair, not preferential, treatment.

It is no more complex for government to control the level of bonuses, surely, than it is to control or even freeze public sector pay. People in all areas of the economy are being asked to make financial sacrifices to help reduce the budget deficit.

David Cameron and Nick Clegg must recognise that consent for those sacrifices will only prevail if those managing and operating the banks eat their own share of humble pie.

Would the kind of legislation on bonuses proposed by shadow chancellor Alan Johnson be draconian? It would depend on whether it can be presented as a short-term measure and not as an attack on enterprise and innovation in financial services.

Bob Taylor

Shiel Court

Glenrothes, Fife