Wealthy deserve respect not criticism

SINCE the collapse of our fiscal stability we have become a very cynical, begrudging society.

I know Irish people have always had this in their nature, but a number of years ago we didn’t care, we were all greedy and self-serving.

Now, the balance on our ATM screens is disappearing, and we feel the need to blame someone, to instinctively dislike anyone who is wealthy.

Many of the wealthiest people in Ireland have worked hard, paid colossal fees to educate and better themselves.

I say fair play to them; why condemn them for beating the recession and weathering the economic storm?

Naturally, and fairly, the most wealthy should have to pay proportionate tax amounts in respect to the average worker, but they should never be looked upon as unfavourable members of society.

When we were rich, we looked down on the poor, now that we’re poor, we look down on the rich.

Doesn’t this say a lot about the greed and selfishness of our people?

Now we know it is not just politicians who are in it for themselves; we are all the same.

Justin Kelly

Edenderry

Co Offaly