Divided society

Sir, - It is frustrating to read one of your writers, yet again, point out to the Government (and the Opposition parties) that…

Sir, - It is frustrating to read one of your writers, yet again, point out to the Government (and the Opposition parties) that we are becoming an even more deeply divided and unjust society, despite our recent wealth.

Kathy Sheridan's article (December 16th) says it all. A pre-Budget poll indicated that, for a majority of our citizens, the issues of accessible housing and healthcare were top of their priorities. With homelessness so shamefully high, council houses unavailable to so many, and a health system leaving the poor to wait months, often years, for treatment, why is it that neither Government (with, for the past few years now, no shortage of money) nor Opposition seem concerned?

As Kathy Sheridan writes: "The popular discontent erupting around us stems from something more profound than financial need. But, by the time someone articulates this, will the opportunity for change have passed?" - Yours, etc.,

Margrit Cruickshank, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.