Labour runs the risk of ending up like Greens

WELL done to letter writer Mary Harris (May 21).

When first introduced it seemed the 0.6% wouldn’t have much impact because it wasn’t explained clearly.

I worked all my life as a PAYE worker, paid huge tax in the 80s and PRSI. As a single person I had to provide for myself, so I felt secure having a pension.

I am one of the people referred to in the letter. I am 50-plus and took early retirement. I knew my pension would be reduced, but as I was sure of my pension I could “cut my cloth according to its measure”. that was before my house insurance went up over 60% last year and again this year (I’m now in a subsidence area). VHI is up over 40%. As for PRSI, I recently paid €90 for a filling. Everything up and income down and I thought the USC charges were bad. The smaller the income, the bigger the impact.

I voted the Labour Party into government to look after the welfare of the workers of this country. We paid our trade union fees to protect us. Where are they now? The Green party clung to power with Fianna Fáil and we showed them the road in the last election. If the Labour Party will not fulfil our cause, it will follow the Greens.

Rose O’Sullivan

Cork city