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THE TAOISEACH always had his doubts about property tax but by now he will be in no doubt that that it would be extremely unpopular across the land, and especially in Dublin.

While everyone wants to do their bit for Ireland, the severity of the tax proposed by the Commission on Taxation truly frightened householders this week. The idea that a modest enough home costing €500,000 could incur an annual tax of €1,250–€1,500 could have far reaching repercussions on the property market generally, without going anywhere near solving the nation’s financial difficulties.