Elections and spending promises

Sir, – David McWilliams points out that 3.3 million citizens (65 per cent of us!) are beneficiaries of social protection payments and more than two million people are in direct receipt of welfare payments (Opinion & Analysis, June 8th). Unemployment remains at an historic low. These contrasting facts make it clear our Government has abandoned all efforts at fiscal discipline. The subject of their profligacy with our money was largely absent from the election debates. If anything, judging by the campaign, the way to win elections seems to be to promise more spending. – Yours, etc,

BRIAN McMAHON,

Dublin 16.