Madam, - Mrs McDermott's (July 22nd) statement that an increase in taxation to provide equal rights to homosexual civil unions would amount to a "dictatorship" is absurd. My parter and I, a gay couple, pay taxes that afford Mrs McDermott tax benefits, regardless of whether we consent to it.
Furthermore, her classification of us as belonging to "an insignificant minority" is ridiculous. Surely many of the artistic and literary geniuses throughout history cannot be considered "insignificant".
Finally, any proposal that seeks to allow the State to recognise a loving and caring relationship, regardless of the people involved, should be welcomed. It is shameful to label such an initiative as "immoral" or "unnatural". - Yours, etc.
DECLAN HAYES, Old Tramore Road, Waterford.