BEN HEADON,
Sir, - I feel that John McCormack (February 12th) is missing the point when bemoaning the proposed tax cuts for professional sportsmen. Not every professional sportsman (or woman) is Pádraig Harrington or Brian O'Driscoll. For example, David Higgins, the Waterville golf pro has averaged winnings on the European tour of €47,000 over the last eight years. These winnings are taxable and must also cover travel, accommodation and other expenses.
Professional careers in sports such as boxing, cycling, rugby and soccer frequently end in the mid-30s and considering the pleasure that their exploits bring to thousands of us it appears only reasonable to give a little back to those not earning several million Euro a year. - Yours, etc.,
BEN HEADON,
Raheny,
Dublin 5.