Paddy Healy published addresses of TDs, asking people to email their TDs protesting the budget. So this is what I just sent to Chris Andrews (Fianna Fail) and John Gormley (Green Party):
Dear John and Chris
As your constituent, let me express my revulsion at the budget which has targeted the poorest and weakest in society.
As a public sector worker, I accept that high earners should bear the brunt, but introducing an extra income tax band for those earning over €100,000 (a category, which, by the way, includes me) would have brought €2bn in revenue without cutting disability and unemployment allowances, children’s allowances and taxing low paid workers.
John, in particular – I voted for you to get Michael McDowell out and belived in your green policies – you and I spoke on several antiracism platforms and I had a lot of respect for you then. I feel you and the Greens have sold out to FF
and to power and have not really achieved much progress in either social issues or green issues. And now, with this budget, you have demonstrated your downright disregard for poor people, people with disabilities, carers, parents of young children, unemployed people and low earners.
You will not get my vote in any subsequent elections (and, needless tosay, neither will Fianna Fail, ever).
Best
Ronit