My letter in todays Independent (http://www.independent.ie/opinion/letters/same-challenges-today-as-before-1913-29787082.html) – 27-11-13

NO JOY AT BAILOUT EXIT

* Ok, so Ireland is to exit the bailout process by the end of the year, but I am not overjoyed.

We have — due to the incompetence of Fianna Fail — severely cut home-help hours, had major cuts to disability, over 10pc of the population living in food poverty, and cuts to special needs etc.

We have also had the introduction of a property tax and upcoming water charges. We still have huge dole queues right around Ireland. We have also lost thousands to emigration.

The list is endless.

Many people who are contacting me are in dire circumstances, so I for one won’t be celebrating or congratulating such dire incompetence that has led to the misery of so many of the most vulnerable in our society.

FRANCIS TIMMONS

CLONDALKIN, DUBLIN