Madam, – The inclusion of “civic society” as a grouping former taoiseach Bertie Ahern claims put the government under pressure to retain property-based tax incentives is unbelievable (Front page, May 16th).
The pressure civil society – ie community and voluntary sector, trade unions, faith-based and environmental organisations – tried to exert throughout the period of the Celtic Tiger was for more equal wealth and income distribution; proper long-term planning and investment to meet society’s social, physical and environmental needs; better regulation and accountability of the economy and the political decisions being made on society’s behalf.
Mr Ahern and his colleagues did not listen to civil society and his attempt to include us in the collective blame game now is disingenuous. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Nice to see Bertie Ahern show strong leadership in describing the decisions he took on the economy. Apparently there were “fierce pressures” (Front page, May 15th). I’m pleased to see how our political system rewards such ability to handle pressure by placing only the very best at the top. – Yours, etc,