Sir, - I am self-employed. If my hearing is impaired, or if I am blinded or maimed during my day's work, I have no employer to sue. I do not have time to get sick. If I am away from my work or take a holiday, nobody pays me. If I have to change my premises, I cannot claim dislocation or inconvenience money from anybody. If I am bullied or harassed in my work place, I have to fend for myself. Nobody, it seems, is prepared to compensate me for anything.
I have, however, estimated that I spend approximately one hour a day reading The Irish Times. That is five hours a week, 250 hours a year, for the last 20 years. At a conservative average, that is £50,000 in lost potential income.
You will, Sir, be hearing from my solicitor. - Yours, etc.,
From Rodney Devitt
Tritonville Road,
Sandymount,
Dublin 4.