Sir, - I am the mother of two young children and I work outside the home. I recently learned that the creche my children attend is raising its fees by 25 per cent (£150 per month). I have very little power to object and no real alternative - two feelings I also have when t comes to voting at election time.
It has infuriated me to hear Charlie McCreevy's self-satisfied tones about this Budget. Failing to put in place measures to tackle the dire shortage of quality childcare or to offer tax relief against its prohibitive costs proves again that the hallmark of this Government is arrogance and cowardice. This issue has been sidelined for the duration of this Government's term and once again, expedience and survival have been placed before justice. Whatever its legislative forebears thought, does this Government really believe that the economy could continue to thrive to this extent without the participation of young, educated women in the workforce?
With so many disputes already underway, isn't it time for those women who work outside the home to withdraw their labour and take to the streets? Although, if recent examples are anything to go by, this Government only really understands bullyboy tactics. I wonder why? - Yours, etc.,
Cliona Hannon, Rathgar, Dublin 6.