Sir, -In view of the recent UN Development Report, could we please have an end to talk of Celtic Tigers and economic boom? If, as is reported, 15 per cent of the population are living in poverty, the question must be asked: for whom is the economy booming?
In the areas that matter - in childcare, in the provision of a decent and fair health system, in housing, in equal opportunities for all citizens, in general quality of life - are most Irish people any better off than 10 years ago?
Text messaging and cappucinos are not the only economic indicators. -Yours, etc.,
Brian O'Shea, Durham, North Carolina, USA.