A chara, - 1997 election: FF/PD alliance advocates cutting top rate of tax to 40-42 per cent. Labour reacts hysterically; the rate should be untouched, proposed measure only of benefit to the "super-rich", etc.
FF/PDs win election. First Budget follows through on electoral mandate and cuts top rate. Labour reacts hysterically: "super-rich" benefiting from "payback time", Government should instead implement Labour's (massively defeated) manifesto and widen bands and raise allowances, etc.
Second Budget, FF/PDs flag no change in top rate, Budget to concentrate on low- to middle-income earners by widening bands and raising allowances. Labour flummoxed. Labour reacts hysterically: "tax burden should be eased, especially for single people on average income who pay tax at the high rate", "top rate should be reduced . . . to 42 per cent" (The Irish Times, November 30th).
The party of the U-turn has outdone itself once again. Is it Ruairi Quinn cosying up to Bertie, is it unbelievable cynicism, or just some neck? - Is mise, David Carroll,
Castle Gate, Castle Street, Dublin 2.