Please help our working widows.

(From Irish Independent)

Sir - The nation has been appalled at the treatment of working widows, ashas been highlighted. The same treatment is applicable to deserted wives, lone parentsand lollipop ladies.

Heretofore, a working widow was entitled to half sick pay if on sick leave. A sneaky adjustment in the last Budget has cut off this benefit. Other benefits are also affected. Government policy is that they are only entitled to State payment.

This Government is so much out of touch with the ordinary people. Its arrogance beggarsbelief. How cruel can it be? The victims in question have suffered trauma in the loss oftheir spouse, rear children on their own, and in many instances are just trying to make ends meet.

Like many others, they live life against the odds. Struggle, struggle, struggle. Thejustification of not making two State payments does not hold. For example, a politician can receive several pensions e.g. TD's, ministerial, Taoiseach, and a European pension. If their previous profession was as a teacher they will also qualify for a teacher's pension. They should practise what they preach, and not treat vulnerable people in this manner.

Recent exchequer figures released for January/February show a surplus of [euro]400m inrevenue and a deficit in expenditure of a similar amount against Budget. In reality this is a net surplus of [euro]800m in the State's coffers. If it is Government policy to hoard and then distribute at election time, it is the most cynical of exercises, especially when people aresuffering.

The latest vibes from Government are that it may backtrack as a result of public outcry. Even if they do backtrack, the policies and mindset of the Government should be seriously challenged. The fact that it considered and intends implementing such a cruel cutback against the most vulnerable is incredible and again shows how out of touch it iswith the lives of the people.