FIRE brigades union leader Andy Gilchrist's claim that they are the best firefighters in the world, is somewhat arrogant and insulting.

Surely New York's firefighters have earned the right to be higher up the ladder. And anyway, such a claim does not warrant a pay increase.

This dispute is not about the nation's football team, it is about one of the nation's life-protecting, life-saving services.

There is no disputing that they do a good job, but then so they should, supported by the best safety and firefighting equipment that is available.

What about the firefighter in the Third World, struggling with third rate equipment -- bare hands, bare feet, buckets, and hand pumps -- do they not deserve to stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest and the best?

Ask for a fair rate for the job by all means, but 40 per cent, it seems a bit over the top. It would appear that the FBU has gone too far with their claims and too far with their actions.

Allan Ramsay

Ashcombe Drive

Radcliffe