Madam, - So the budget is coming early? Allow me put forward some sensible discussions we are likely to hear:
1. The Government will attempt to reduce inflation by challenging pricefixing by the cartel of large supermarket chains, rather than telling us to "shop around".
The supermarkets will be made to see they have a social duty to lower prices (ergo profits) and pay more to their suppliers rather than squeezing every last penny out of households and farmers at both ends of the supply chain.
2. As opposed to freezing their pay increases, Government members will accept a 10 per cent pay cut, sending a clear message that politicians too will also suffer some (lesser) hardship during the tough times ahead.
This may help achieve a pay freeze in the public sector.
3. All government representatives will attend local festivities for the St Patrick's Day festival rather than flying abroad, showing their constituents they are actually interested in their own localities rather than wasting taxpayers' money on junkets.
4. A think-tank consisting of our foremost businessmen will be set up to suggest what the Government needs to do to stimulate the economy.
Yes, I know, it was all just a dream. So roll on 20 cent on the pint, 50 cent on cigarettes, stealth taxes, VAT increases . . .
- Yours, etc,
PAUL MOORE, The Downs, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.