Fine Gael deputy under fire

A Fine Gael TD who wants to match personal PPS numbers to the purchase of motor cars can only be described as a stormtrooper for a right-wing administration.

The comments of County Limerick Fine Gael TD Patrick O’Donovan bordered on advocating a police state.

The very idea that citizens would have to link their PPS numbers to purchases of any kind is a step towards direct government control.

While Deputy O’Donovan seems happy to urge such policies, the fact is this latest idea is a further erosion of civil liberties.

Hard on the heels of the €100 household charge with its constant threat of court action and personal imprisonment comes this latest Fine Gael idea to hold such records on ordinary people.

Government need for this type of control betrays the right-wing nature of this coalition. It must be opposed by all those who care about basic civil rights.

Seán O’Neill

Republican Sinn Féin

38 Quinn’s’ Cottages

Prospect

Limerick