Why I’m driven to break the law

AS a sole-trading, single-man operation struggling to survive the recession, the issue of not being able to use my commercially taxed vehicle for private purposes is the straw that will break this particular donkey’s back.

For five or six days a week I use the vehicle for work and for a couple of hours a week I use it for private purposes. In these hours, I feel like a criminal.

I feel like someone who is on the run from the law.

I have the greatest respect for authority and I have no desire to break the law, but in this case I have no choice.

The saving of money that people like me make by taxing commercially as opposed to privately is one of the few perks that self-employed people enjoy legitimately.

Now, for our hard work in managing to stay employed against all the current odds, Environment Minister John Gormley wants to bury us with legislation.

Enough is bloody enough, John. If you want us off the road, then so be it.

On Monday, October 18, at 10am, I intend to paint a red ‘X’ on the side of my vehicle.

This will make it easy for relevant authorities to identify it, stop me en route and administer justice.

When I have the required amount of penalty points to receive an automatic driving ban then another want-to-work Irishman will be consigned to the ranks of the unemployed.

But not to worry, John, self-employed people cannot claim unemployment assistance, so we won’t be a burden on the state.

I would like to invite other people to join me in doing the same, whether at the same location or on their own patch. The only people who would not be welcome are the members of the 4x4 brigade who have taxed their expensive family vehicles commercially when they could well have afforded not to do so.

Tom Fitzgerald

Four Roads

Askeaton

Co Limerick