Inflation Rate

Sir, - I heard the chairman of the Progressive Democrats stating on radio that our current levels of inflation are primarily …

Sir, - I heard the chairman of the Progressive Democrats stating on radio that our current levels of inflation are primarily a result of the weakness of the euro and the rise in oil prices.

However, as many of our European neighbours are in a similar situation, I would challenge him to explain why the Irish rate of inflation is three to four times the European average.

I accept that our pound has slipped against sterling and that we import many goods from Britain, but are we to believe that the Government has lost all control over our economy and has no influence on the inflation rate? If so, our current economic problems may be the tip of the iceberg. - Yours, etc.,

Edward Lambe, Camden Lock, Ringsend, Dublin 4.