Sir, - It is now clear that we are seeing a carefully orchestrated campaign to introduce water meters; and like the proverbial dripping tap, it will go on ad nauseum until the dike has been breached, and we are all thanking our lucky stars that we got away without them for so long.
On "Morning Ireland" (May 7th) we heard from a Mr Barrett, who has published a study on this very subject, and were treated to that particular brand of smugness, arrogance and rhetoric, which works so well when the propaganda machine is getting into full swing. He told us that: "Quite frankly it is ridiculous and even ludicrous, to expect to get water for free. It is a scarce resource. The polluter has to pay! If there is no incentive to preserve it, it will be wasted." Wonderful isn't it? Having a shower is not environmentally friendly, and I'm a polluter, as well as being ridiculous.
The good news is that we have decided to take our daughter out of University, and get her an apprenticeship with our favourite plumber, and we will all be able to retire in comfort in a few years. Oh, in case you were wondering, I was one of those poor fools who paid every water charge without fail.
Just for the record, who funded Mr Barrett's study? - Yours, etc.
Model Farm Road,
Co Cork.