Unrest could lead to a revolution

I am reminded of the French revolution, where the ruling elite were so out of touch with their taxpaying public that eventually the entire structure of society came tumbling down. Although we live in more enfranchised times, do not imagine that if you continue to show such utter disregard for the very people that you are supposed to represent, there will not be a revolt.

Coming from a socialist standpoint, I appreciate and understand that we as a society are struggling with hard times.

I believe that, in general, we all understand there is not as much money to go around and we are all pulling our belts in to get through the lean years ahead.

Why, then, do you throw good money after bad? Airports, schools, harbours, projects that should be on hold while we are struggling, make do and mend.

Spend a bit more on maintenance of what we have and throw away your pie-in-the-sky wish lists until the global economy spins into an upcycle again and we can afford them.

I live in a house that is the best part of 200 years old. I maintain it and it serves me well. I drive a second-hand car that I bought for cash and I maintain it and will do so until it is no longer economical.

You seem to have no true appetite to tackle expenditure. You close down one school to ostensibly save £850,000 a year and then propose to build a new one for in excess of £60m. Madness.

You propose a width and emissions tax that will do nothing other than stultify an industry that employs hundreds of people and contributes a significant chunk to our economy, in the name of what? Green principles? If you truly wish to be green, the answer is to become a vegan, don't have pets and don't have children. How are those for unpopular proposals?

There are rumblings about a new tax (GST) that will cost as much to administer as it brings in and will drive small businesses to the wall. This, when it seems the Income Tax Department can barely cope with its workload. Can you be surprised when we have no faith in your suggestions?

If any of our sitting deputies are considering standing again at the next election then they must consider carefully the groundswell of public opinion when voting. If, however, you have no intention of standing again and wish to make some 'tough' decisions for the common good, then consider well the legacy you wish to leave behind.

NICK JENKINS,

Cherry Cottage,

St Andrew's.