Madam, - Jim O'Sullivan (July 28th) has harsh words to say about the fact that the Government does not intend to scrap the SSIA scheme immediately.
I have had an SSIA since the inception of the scheme, into which I pay the maximum amount each month. I am flattered and amused that Mr O'Sullivan thinks that this makes me one of the monied elite, but I must disabuse him of that notion. Putting the money aside each month makes a large dent in the amount I earn, but this scheme is my only insurance against the rising cost of living and, in particular, the only way I will ever be able to afford to buy a house.
It may surprise Mr O'Sullivan to know that this is not unusual among those who have SSIAs. He might also be interested to know that the scheme was open to everybody, not just the extraordinarily wealthy, with the option of saving as little as €10 per month, and that this was made clear through extensive advertising.
I also must point out that I am allowed to allocate my vote in any manner I wish. Any party might well fear that calling for the scrapping of the scheme will cost them votes - it will.
Mr O'Sullivan's mistake is his assumption that the owners of those votes have opinions that are less valid than his. - Yours etc.,
DENISE KELLEHER, Foxfield Road, Raheny, Dublin.