Sir, – There is a patronising ring of Orwellian Newspeak to Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan’s expression of thanks to those who have paid the household charge (“Hogan welcomes 70 per cent compliance rate in payment of household charge”, Home News, December 28th). This tax has been forced upon the nation, who have been coerced into paying by threats of even greater financial penalties. Mr Hogan’s sense of “patriotism” would be better served if he and his colleagues effected a genuine reduction in their salaries, pensions and expenses, instead of continually cutting services. As it is, our political representatives are recession-proof. They will never know the hardship that this tax will create for many. Whilst it is possible that one day we might escape financial bankruptcy, are we to remain morally bankrupt? – Yours etc,
BARRY HIGGINS,
Dunshaughlin,
Co Meath.