Madam, - Denise Kelleher (July 31st) argues that the Special Savings Investment Accounts scheme should not be scrapped so that she can get on the property ladder in 2007. This view is as selfish as it is short-sighted.
Where does the 25 per cent Government bonus come from? Mr McCreevy's personal generosity, his winnings at Galway perhaps? No, it is taxed right across the economy, directed away from health and education and given only to those who can afford to save.
Whether people are saving for houses, holiday cruises or imported fripperies, this SSIA is ethically unjust and fiscally doubtful.
Ms Kelleher also believes that many people are using the SSIA to buy a house. If that is true, it will naturally result in a surge in demand and an increase in house prices when the scheme matures - eliminating any benefit from the scheme.
So in 2007, our health system will not have improved, primary schools will still be falling down and Ms Kelleher will be as far away as ever from buying that elusive house.
All thanks to Charlie McCreevy. - Yours etc.,
FINTAN TUOHY, Cloon, Castleconnell, Co Limerick.