Sir, – How strange that Alan Shatter – one of Ireland’s most accomplished solicitors – can refer, in seriousness, to inheritance tax of 33 per cent [on unearned income] as “stealing” (Letters, August 22nd). What then of marginal tax rates on earned income of 52 per cent?
Other correspondents protest “discrimination” against unmarried couples. Marriage brings some tax benefits, but also means that couples are, for example, jointly assessed when it comes to welfare benefits, and this is despite the “individualisation” of income tax.
Once again, it seems that many are libertarian when it comes to taxes but socialist when it comes to benefits.
Of course, this all ignores the fact that individuals are implicitly obliged to take financial care of their spouse and are liable to lose half or more of their assets in the event of a marriage ending in divorce.
Grá ar an Trá: What is the point of Gráinne Seoige in this incoherent pudding of a series?
Ireland is emerging from winter, but maybe hold off mowing your lawn for now
What’s a phage and why might your body be hosting thousands of them?
Author Torrey Peters: ‘Admitting to any sexual aspect to a trans identity can be politically dangerous. But I refuse to be silenced by bigots’
The recent referendum result made clear that the electorate is in no rush to extend the benefits of marriage to other relationships without consideration of the responsibilities that should also be extended. It seems there is a push by a vocal minority to ignore the will of the people on this matter as well. – Yours, etc,
MATTHEW GLOVER,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.
