Sir, – How strange that Alan Shatter – one of Ireland’s most accomplished solicitors – can refer, in seriousness, to inheritance tax of 33 per cent [on unearned income] as “stealing” (Letters, August 22nd). What then of marginal tax rates on earned income of 52 per cent?
Other correspondents protest “discrimination” against unmarried couples. Marriage brings some tax benefits, but also means that couples are, for example, jointly assessed when it comes to welfare benefits, and this is despite the “individualisation” of income tax.
Once again, it seems that many are libertarian when it comes to taxes but socialist when it comes to benefits.
Of course, this all ignores the fact that individuals are implicitly obliged to take financial care of their spouse and are liable to lose half or more of their assets in the event of a marriage ending in divorce.
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The recent referendum result made clear that the electorate is in no rush to extend the benefits of marriage to other relationships without consideration of the responsibilities that should also be extended. It seems there is a push by a vocal minority to ignore the will of the people on this matter as well. – Yours, etc,
MATTHEW GLOVER,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.
