A chara, – Unfortunately Ronan Quinlan (February 4th) has missed the point. Legislation allowing local authorities to vary property tax is an important step towards decentralising Ireland's political structure. The Labour Party's advocacy of such legislation is consistent with its long-standing desire for a truly democratic republic. Its local election promise to cut property tax applies only to high-priced houses in urban areas. It is not a populist measure but rather further evidence of Labour's commitment to a fair and progressive property tax system.
Yes, Labour is already in Government. And it’s delivering! – Is mise,
CLÁR Ní
CHONCHUBHAIR,
Cearach,
Nás na Ríogh, Co Chill Dara.
Sir, – So, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore is promising voters in large urban areas a 15 per cent cut in property tax as part of its local and European election manifestos (Home News, February 3rd). According to Mr Gilmore, this reduction will apply in those local authorities where the Labour Party is the leading party. This attempt to buy votes with voters' own money yet again exposes the squalid behaviour of Ireland's self-proclaimed party of ethics and brings further shame and disgrace on our legislature.
Having been driven onto the rocks and well and truly holed below the waterline, it is immoral and unpatriotic for some of those elected to steer us through the economic maelstrom to be otherwise engaged in self-serving electioneering. We have tolerated for far too long in this country politics without principles, conscience or morality. – Yours, etc,
TOM COOPER,
Templeville Road,
Templeogue,
Dublin 6w.