All TDs are part of an elite

Deputy Ruth Coppinger refers to a "political elite" as if she was not a member herself. Desmond Fitzgerald refers to our "political class".

All those on ‘the left’ who champion the cause of the ‘ordinary, working person’ (which excludes the non-working) are part of the ‘establishment’.

When all their pay, expenses, allowances and accelerated pension provision are taken into account, TDs cost us about €250,000 apiece. Tell that to your marginalised constituent.

The “political elite” includes everyone elected to the Dail and Seanad. So let’s hear from Paul Murphy, TD, why he should enjoy benefits under tax legislation not applicable to any other citizen.

We need to get rid of more than water charges.

T Murphy,

Shamrock Driver,

Muskerry Estate,

Ballincollig,

Co Cork