Poor must pay for the excesses of the rich

THE poor and less-well-off are now picking up the tab for the lifestyles of the rich and famous during the Celtic Tiger period with the budget hammering their already inadequate incomes.

It is a kick in the teeth for all those on low and middle incomes.

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan likes to suggest we are all in this economic crisis together, but the fact is only a minority of Fianna Fáil’s special interest lobby made fortunes in recent years.

Ordinary people are once again paying for the rich to enjoy themselves and this so-called pay cut for politicians is only a charade — mere loose change to them because they earn so much.

The increases in basic foodstuffs, the income levy and indirect taxes all combine to make the poor and middle income earner less well off.

Even on social welfare the increase for carers, at €6.50, is miniscule and would not even buy a toasted sandwich.

The income gap between those who have and all those who have not is growing ever wider and is akin to a recipe for forced emigration.

The budget is a scandal with the lower earners bearing the greatest financial burden. It will drive even more families into poverty and despair.

Joe Lynch

Beechgrove Ave

Ballinacurra Weston

Limerick