PD tax cuts not only for six-figure earners

COMMENTS made by Brian Abbott (Irish Examiner letters, May 10) included a very selective extract from PD policy on taxation.

As a member of the party I am constantly fascinated by people who use our policies in a very negative way.

In this case, Mr Abbott refers to an ESRI report that 8% of the population (approximately 300,000) are living in constant poverty.

He then refers to our recently published policy on taxation and mentions the fact that Mary Harney wants the tax rate for couples earning up to €100,000 a year reduced to 20%.

This is correct, but he forgot to mention that couples earning up to €40,000 per annum would pay absolutely no tax. Surely this is another step in the right direction in fighting poverty?

Low tax rates should mean more money in your take-home packet and less chance of being in financial difficulties.

Is this not another way of ensuring that fewer people will be dependent on the state.

The PD taxation policy is not the final answer, but it is another step in the right direction. We must all continue to fight poverty in every way possible whether it be in our own communities at local level or at national level through Government action.

Michael Burns

Groves House

Glanmire

Co Cork