Why hit credit unions harder than the banks?

I WAS disgusted to see your front page headline ‘Credit unions to pay double banks’ fee for guarantee’ (May 5).

This leads me to believe that while credit unions are to get the same deposit guarantees as the banks, they are expected to pay double the fees.

This is strange. They have, so far, caused little or no trouble or worry to anyone while we all worry about the banks with good reason.

I note also the banks have been “forgiven” €90m already. This is taxpayers’ (ie, credit union members’) money they are getting.

Are we seeing again discrimination against the small saver or borrower? Credit unions are owned by their members, you and I.

The union may be big, but the owners are not.

I cannot understand how anyone can justify charging an organisation that belongs to the ordinary people twice as much as those controlled by the wealthy.

No doubt the excuse is that banks are essential to the economy of the nation. Are credit unions not essential to the people who are the nation?

Patrick Browne

Brugge

Ashleigh Park

Blackrock

Cork