A chara, – Like Declan Doyle (November 3rd), I am a public sector worker and trade union member, but I fully support the proposed day of action on November 24th. I too agree that the problems we face in this country require a rational response. My rationale is very simple: the burden of the current financial crisis cannot be borne solely by public service workers. I have no difficulty in agreeing to a significant tax hike, as that at least has the merit of equity to some degree. The strike is not about simply following trade union leaders, it is a plea for an equal sharing of the burden from those who are already paying. – Is mise,
Madam, – Well done to Tommy Murtagh for his comments (November 3rd).
It seems incredible to me that the union leaders can be vilified for suggesting that social welfare payments should be protected in the current environment while at the same time a man paying out €200 million to his children can be seen as some kind of hero.
Let me add one comment. The Government is adamant that the expenditure cuts must all happen this very minute. Could it be that this is partly so that in three years’ time they can produce a voter- friendly “pre-election” budget? – Yours, etc,