Madam, - Ken Johnstone (September 29th) may well have "thoroughly enjoyed" his work in pre-deregulation days (what industry does not enjoy a huge demand for under-supplied services?).
But I certainly never enjoyed waiting for three hours at a city centre taxi-rank on a wet winter's night - nor at any other time, for that matter.
To regulate the supply of taxis on the basis of ensuring the taxi-driver's income is simply not acceptable to the fare-paying passenger. Supply must meet peak demand also.
If taxi-drivers are inconsolable about their dwindling earnings, then they are free - just like the rest of us - to pursue more rewarding careers.
But let's be clear: plying a taxi for hire does not guarantee a certain income. And to suggest the Government whould eradicate some of the existing vehicles to prop up the incomes of a select cabal of drivers, is self-serving as well as absurd.
Lastly, I wonder if Mr Johnstone would be prepared to depart the ranks of Dublin taxi-drivers to help guarantee a "consistent and worthwhile wage" for his colleagues. - Yours, etc,
KEN KELLER,
Londonbridge Drive,
Sandymount,
Dublin 4.