Sir, - I would like to take this opportunity to thank Charlie McCreevy for a wonderful extra £100 a month in my pay packet. I am fortunate indeed. I own my own home and am relatively well paid already.
I am sure that another family member, earning significantly less, will be delighted to hear of my good fortune. This person will gain an extra £18 a month from the Minister's Budget. Perhaps this extra income could be put towards a down payment on a new home if this sibling saves until retirement age.
Of course we are all in favour of lower taxes and more disposal income, but we must surely be losing our sense of social justice altogether when a Budget at time of record national prosperity results in a further widening of the gap between rich and poor.
Shame on you, Charlie. Or don't you know anybody on a low income? - Yours, etc.,
Joe Dunphy, Temple Court, Palatine Square, Dublin 7.