The timing of the announcement that MLAs are set to get a £1,000 pay rise could hardly have been worse.
It comes just days after assembly members returned to Stormont following a three year hiatus, a period which saw deep public discontent over the fact that politicians were getting paid while not doing the job they were elected to do.
It also follows an industrial relations crisis in the health service caused by a failure to pay nurses what many believe they rightfully deserved while other public servants have seen their wages decline in real terms.
MLAs know all this and are suitably embarrassed by the pay hike while frantically distancing themselves from the decision-making process.
In that respect they do have a point.
As with a number of other legislatures, the pay of elected representatives is determined not by themselves but by an independent body, in this case the Independent Financial Review Panel.
During the Stormont suspension, former secretary of state Karen Bradley blocked any increases but now that the institutions are restored, the annual uprating is being applied.
As well as the extra £1,000, taking salaries to £50,500, MLAs are due for a further £500 in April.
However, while our politicians may be entitled to this hike, the issue is whether they deserve it.
Regardless of established procedures, for politicians who have not turned up at Stormont for three years to be given not one but two pay rises looks absolutely terrible.
Acutely aware of how badly this will play with an exasperated electorate, MLAs have been expressing their dismay while pledging to donate the extra cash to good causes.
It does appear that the announcement took representatives by surprise.
Deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill described the increase as 'unjustifiable' while the leaders of the five main parties yesterday issued a joint statement asking for the pay rise to be deferred.
It is not clear if this can be done but it at least sends out a certain message.
Over the past two weeks, it is patently obvious that the executive parties, particularly Sinn Féin and the DUP, are trying to put the best possible gloss on Stormont's return while warning of tough economic decisions ahead.
Reminding beleaguered and angry workers just how much our politicians already earn then giving them a pay rise will not be regarded as helpful at all.
