Sir, - Much as my heart warms towards a few extra quid in my pocket from tax cuts, my head backs the Labour Party's recent economic document, "New Direction, New Priorities". A budget should foster a more equitable society. Tax cuts, as Mr Derek McDowell say, generally favour the wealthy. This is a recipe for discontent and for the disruption in vital services which we have experienced in recent months. Labour wisely advocates shifting the emphasis from tax cuts to increased spending on services.
Should not common sense dictate that the proceeds of our new-found wealth be directed, for example, to alleviating the inadequacies and anomalies in our health system? What about a plan for a free drugs and GP service for the whole population? A substantial proportion of the people face a price barrier in availing of health services. And at a time when there is a crying need for affordable housing, the Minister could offer incentives to the owners of derelict buildings in our towns and in the country for their sale or restoration.
While we have a growing economy, many of our services are second-rate. The recent Government plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is very welcome, but will be interesting to see how it will stand up to the car and truck lobby. There are many other services crying out for improvement, but if we clamour for better services one week and expect tax cuts the next week, we are all living in cloud-cuckooland. - Yours, etc.,
John F. Fallon, Boyle, Co Roscommon.