Don’t blame the professionals, Bertie
Here he requested that the professions contribute to the productivity of the country instead of living from it.
Might I remind Mr Ahern that professionals, together with other taxpayers continue to add to the exchequer returns of this country.
At every turn the individual is taxed, examples being income tax, rates, car parking charges, car tax, vehicle registration tax, airport taxes, value added taxes and health insurance.
And what do we get by way of productivity from this government?
Inadequate health services, poor public transport systems, even poorer social housing and social policy, an education system deprived of investment, a civil service who are highly paid but certainly not overworked; overpaid public representatives most of whom are not professionals.
We've got to fund local initiatives due to lack of Government support, pay for voluntary health insurance to ensure access to the health services, and fund a multitude of charities whose work with the handicapped, elderly, poor and destitute is necessitated by a government that would rather spend money on Government jets than address under-funding in these areas.
Might I make one suggestion to Mr Ahern?
If he feels that the professions are living off the productivity of this country and that a change is required, then he might himself lead by example and take a pay cut and counsel the other 165 freeloaders, our legislators, to do likewise.
Micheál Lynch,
30 Monastery Gate Drive,
Monastery Gate,
Clondalkin,
Dublin.
