Time to return Fianna Fáil to power

The sacrifices the Irish people have made cannot continue into the last two years of this Coalition’s tenure. I hope we will have a return to Fianna Fáil, for these reasons:

1. The exorbitant level of taxes imposed by the Coalition, such as property, water, septic tank and other sneaky ones. Savings are worth nothing interest-wise. The FF coalition provided reasonable interest on saving, as did Charlie McCreevy’s SSIA accounts. We had prosperity, near full-employment, and the building of motorways, the Jack Lynch Tunnel, the Port Tunnel and the Shannon Tunnel, which attract industry and jobs from foreign firms.

2. Enda Kenny’s handling of the mess caused by the banks was poor. His generosity to Europe at our expense was dreadful. If any business goes bankrupt, the creditors can only expect a small payout, yet Kenny promised full payment.

Enda’s and Michael Noonan’s expectations, a year ago, of a contribution from Europe, have been dashed; and Enda’s grovelling to Angela Merkel, for himself not for the Irish citizen, was poor judgement. When he had a good hand of cards to play, he let the people of Ireland down.

How he tolerates Health Minister James Reilly is a mystery; our health service has deteriorated to an unacceptable level and the cost of health insurance is out of control. Soon, the only friend Fine Gael will have is emigration — just look at all the empty stores in our towns.

The self-praise, and spin doctors reporting on various happenings, such as the beef deal with Japan worth €15m, are small fry compared with the achievements of Charles Haughey and the thorough-bred horse industry: a month ago, three animals were sold for €15m, utilising a tax initiative introduced 25 years ago. Haughey also established the Financial Services Centre.

Credit should be given to Bertie Ahern for his negotiations with unions, and his good relationships with Tony Blair, and his ability to break down political barriers and enjoy the confidence of Ian Paisley, resulting in the great achievement of the peace agreements in Northern Ireland.

The present, diabolical handling by Fine Gael members of the Limerick City Year of Culture is a disgrace.

The appointment of personnel without advertisement, and without interviews, reeks of cronyism; it is unbelievable that such an opportunity to show Limerick in a good light was so badly handled.

As a famous pair from the past said: ‘another fine mess’ from the Fine Gael coalition.

T Wheeler

Patrickswell

Co Limerick