Sir, - The Exchequer is ecstatic about its unexpected £3 billion bonanza, the Revenue Commissioners are thrilled with the millions of unpaid DIRT they have uncovered and a quarter of the families previously deemed below the poverty line simply ain't, chortles the Department of Social Welfare. Let the good times roll!
Does it not seem odd, though, that the accountancy is so sloppy? When times were hard, as in the era of the hair - sorry - Charvet shirt, much attention was paid to balancing the books and squeezing the PAYE worker 'til the pips squeaked. Why now are the Estimates so wildly wrong, why were non-cash benefits never taken into account and why has it taken so long to recognise sustained fraudulent collusion by the banks?
If I were in a position to play the market I don't think I'd want our Government financial wizards dealing in futures on my behalf. - Yours, etc.,
Eamon Sweeney, South Hill, Dartry, Dublin 6.