We need some good news to lift the weary spirit of the nation
Sir, When they were sitting in the safety of the opposition benches, members of the present government had to make do with criticising Fianna Fáil. What they were doing, how they were doing it and why they were not doing enough of it was shouted across the floor. There were long speeches berating those in power and outlining what they themselves would do, if and when they became elected. They would do this, they would do that and of course one of the things that they would never, ever do is to set a tax on a person's private house.
That noble stance was quickly abandoned after the general election as our new government set about raising taxes from every possible source. Meanwhile, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, despite saying we did not cause the problem, seems to have no hesitation in giving us the bill for it.
Now it seems that in order to get us going again all we need to do is put on our 'green jumper'. However, after the next 10 years of cuts and charges we will be lucky to have even a hair shirt left.
When you look at the charges that are already coming up, the situation is frightening: VAT increases, health insurance increases, car tax increases, Household Charge, septic tank inspections for those unlucky enough to live in the country, water rates. Now we hear that every household will be required to pay an 'entertainment tax', whether they have a television or not. It is enough to drive a man to drink – that is of course if you have any money left to buy some.
The Troika have once more paid us a visit and are happy to report that things are going just as they like it. However, with nobody spending due to all of the taxes and the continuing loss of jobs signs of things getting better still seem a long way off.
In fact it seems that we are falling even further behind and the forecast for the future is not good. What looms for our students, as they graduate? Nothing, it seems, other than the emigrant trail. And what of the old and the sick as more and more wards are closed?
We need some good news, something to lift our spirits. However, good news is proving very difficult to find. Last year, when the winter was very bad, my son put up a birdhouse and this year we have a visitor there. I wonder if it is necessary to pay the extra charge for this second home and will the bird receive an entertainment charge like every other household? I think that I had better tell him/her to be quiet in the hope that this second house will not be noticed. Sincerely, Michael O'meara, Faha, Killarney.
