Sir, - I have lived in Ireland for two-and-a-half years and am now leaving because of the high cost of living, limited choice and poor value for money.
Firstly, I would like to buy property of my own. Heading towards 30, I don't relishing the prospect of continuing to live like a student in shared accommodation. The alternative would be to spending €150,000 upwards on what I view as plasterboard shacks in Fingal, Meath or Kildare commuter towns.
Secondly, I will need to replace my car at some point. Paying 50 per cent of the vehicle's purchase price in tax does not appeal. Neither does paying three times over the odds for motor insurance. Lower fuel prices at the pumps are hardly compensation.
Thirdly, having done a brief shopping-basket survey of supermarket prices I can confidently say that I pay 20 per cent more here than I would in Britain. Shops here also run fewer lines, limiting choice.
Dublin is a great place to go out and socialise in - except for the cost of drinks and travel. I paid £1.60 sterling for a pint of beer in Glasgow a month ago - compared with the €4.00 (£2.50 sterling) or more I pay here.
Finally, I'm glad I've avoided any illness more serious than a cold. Gordon Brown might now be charging me more for the NHS, but it's still cheaper than taking out private medical insurance, visiting a doctor and going to a pharmacist here.
I will be sad to leave but it makes no economic sense for me to stay. I know I'm not alone in this: many of my countrymen and other Europeans I know have already left for the same reasons. Ireland is simply too expensive. - Yours, etc.,
Nicholas Scott, Alexandra Quay, Ringsend, Dublin 4.