Sir, - In 1957 I bought a house for £2,500. The first letter to drop on my mat was from the local tax inspector, enquiring where I got this money. I advised him that I had borrowed on mortgage and that was that.
I remember feeling pleased that the tax authorities were looking after the affairs of the taxpayer so well.
I have since often wondered whether the first letter Charlie Haughey got when he bought Kinsealy was from the same source. A famous remark by Mr Gogarty springs to mind. - Yours, etc.,
Peter Kelly, Oulart, Co Wexford.