Sir, - I am delighted to hear the news about the deregulation of taxi services in Ireland. It is long overdue. Maybe now brawls and fights at taxi queues will become just a bad memory. Taxi drivers whinge and moan that they are about to lose their investment and want the Government to bail them out. Well, if you take the risk of investing in an enterprise that is structurally unsound in the first place, you should know a certain risk is involved. David Quigley's letter (November 23rd) nauseated me with its bleating about how the poor taxi driver faced financial ruin. His sentiment typifies the "me, me" attitude that is so prevalent in many sectors of our society.
He also has the audacity to suggest that the State's coffers should pay back the taxi driver for his/her loss. I think State money go to healthcare, education and improved public works, not to a bunch of greedy failed businessmen because the ball didn't bounce their way.
I look forward to getting home safe and sound this Christmas in a taxi driven by someone who is grateful and proud to be able to serve the public. Who knows, it might even be an asylum-seeker!
Bring on the new licences! - Yours, etc.,