Sir, - Donal McDonald (April 24th) complains that a plumber recently cost him £180 for three hours' work, i.e., £60 an hour. What Mr McDonald didn't tell us was:
1. The plumber's travelling time to and from your correspondent's house.
2. The VAT element of the plumber's bill.
3. The plumber's overheads - transport, materials, 'phones, tools, etc.
4. Does the plumber have nearly five months paid holidays each year?
5. Who pays the plumber when he is ill and cannot work?
6. Does he have a State-guaranteed pension when he retires at age 55/60?
And so on. Why do you, Mr Editor, insult your readers by publishing such blinkered, one-sided letters from teachers who simply don't realise how good they have it? - Yours, etc.,
Edward McDonald, Belfield Court, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.