Madam, - With regard to Mr Leo Varadkar's recent proposal, I shared the profound sense of shock throughout the country on learning that a Fine Gael TD had something interesting to say. - Yours, etc,
KEVIN O'SULLIVAN,
Ballyraine Park,
Letterkenny,
Co Donegal.
Madam, - I would like to make two points in response to Fine Gael TD Leo Varadkar's proposed incentives for citizens who have settled here to return "home".
Firstly, one of the main reasons for the current economic downturn is the decline in the general tax take. This is having a knock-on effect on infrastructure and public services. If Mr Varadkars's suggestion was actually implemented, the Irish economy would be deprived of the future taxes of some of the most productive workers here, not to mention the loss of skills and ingenuity. His proposal would likely have the opposite effect to what he claims is intended and cause further economic decline.
Secondly, I would like ask Mr Varadkar for his definition of home. If someone has settled here and is making a contribution, can they not reasonably suggest that Ireland is their home? It is perhaps time for a new understanding of citizenship - one based on contribution to society and community, rather than simply the place where you happened to be born. - Yours, etc,
PAUL DILLON,
Kilmainham Orchard,
Dublin 8.
Madam, - Pity poor Leo Varadkar, as he languishes on a waiting-list for a political correctness transplant or a cure for foot-in-mouth disease. - Yours, etc,
RITA O'BRIEN,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.