This is the patently obvious reason why young people cannot get on the property ladder. Now, realistically the likes of my generation are unlikely to sell our house for less than the going rate, so what is the solution?
The biggest fear that banks have regarding lending is default on payment. This is a very real fear, as unlike a motor car, a house is a very difficult thing to repossess. It currently takes years to actually evict a sitting client, even if they decide to completely stop making payments. The legal costs alone are staggering, not to mention the bad press, etc.
The solution for me is straightforward. Young singles or couples can generally afford mortgage repayments quite comfortably – it’s getting the mortgage that is the issue. New and very clear rules around payment default must be introduced.
Mortgage applicants must be made distinctly aware of the ramifications of not making payments from day one, with all stakeholders – including banks, political parties and borrowers – signing up to this new structure.
Then in the event where a mortgage holder cannot service the debt, they simply hand the keys back to the bank and find alternative accommodation or emigrate or go and live with their parents or whatever. We must reach a point where people take responsibility for their actions and finances.
A clearly defined contract will protect all concerned and do away with messy legal expenses. Simply put, if you can’t pay, won’t pay or don’t pay, then you will have to leave.
Eamon Kearney, Ayrfield Road, Dublin 13
Politicians need to be disciplined and set an example to the rest of us
I was aghast to hear an early election could happen due to the fear of a lack of discipline in the Dàil after the long summer recess.
If TDs cannot be disciplined in their workplace and do their duty to serve the electorate, what sort of example is that?
Take any organisation that is critical to the country, for example, the ESB (from which I am a retired electrician). Storms come and go, and ESB staff work long hours in poor weather conditions to reconnect the country. What would happen if there was a lack of discipline? When would people, including commercial and industrial customers, get reconnected?
Let the legislators who are far more amply rewarded than the aforementioned ESB workers do their job in an orderly fashion and be an example to those who employ them.
Paddy Murray, Castlepollard, Co Westmeath
Increase in price of a pint would drive anyone to drink, but we’ll soldier on
Is Diageo’s latest 6c increase in the price of a pint of Guinness an April Fool’s joke? If not, it will leave a bitter taste in the mouths of drinkers just as summer time arrives and the clocks go forward. The thirst for long leisurely evenings and a pint of plain, al fresco, has been cruelly quenched by Diageo’s black deed.
This latest increase, added to 12c and 4c increases last year, is enough to drive anyone to drink. The average price of a pint will increase to at least €5.70 from April 15. However, as publicans’ overheads have also increased, the price of a pint of the ebony nectar could reach €6 or more in urban areas.
The price increase reminds me of my late father’s description of our family pub as “an oasis of social interaction and erudite conversation”.
When the price of the pint was increased, Dad reluctantly broke the bad news. Despite the increase, the porter continued to flow regardless. Danny, a regular customer, was contentedly playing cards by the glowing fire when Dad asked, “will you still follow the pint at the new price, Danny?” “My dear man,” replied Danny, “I’ll follow it to hell. Drinking the juice of the barley in such congenial company is priceless.”
Billy Ryle, Tralee, Co Kerry
Donald Trump playing the anti-woke card in effort to attract more male voters
It appears that more women will vote for Joe Biden in the US presidential election in November. This would be due in particular to the Republican anti-abortion crusade, which repels many.
One might believe that for this reason Donald Trump will choose a woman as his vice-presidential running mate. If he chooses a woman, who will necessarily be opposed to abortion, he risks alienating even more women voters.
I think Trump will instead play the “anti-woke” card. This posture will appeal to men opposed to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) practises, which often go too far, particularly in universities. What Trump loses among the female electorate, he will gain among the male electorate.
Sylvio Le Blanc, Montreal, Canada
Useless UN progresses to stage where Saudis chair women’s rights forum
Following World War I, the League of Nations was created to act as a forum for the resolution of border disputes and conflicts. It was a complete failure, unable to deal with the emergence of Hitler, Mussolini, Franco and Stalin, to name but a few.
Its successor, the United Nations, has been equally useless over the last 75 years, twiddling its thumbs as a parade of lunatics are given an opportunity to demonstrate their own politically delusional view of freedom of expression and choice.
How far has the UN progressed? Over a hundred years since female emancipation began to emerge, the UN has appointed Saudi Arabia to chair a “women’s rights” forum. I wonder did Ireland vote for this?
Eugene Tannam, Firhouse, Dublin 24
Romance alive and well in Ireland, but wedding bells may put a stop to that
Billy Keane’s well written piece (‘There’s a myth that women aren’t fond of sex. It’s a load of nonsense. They are, but just not all the time’ – Irish Independent, March 30) reminded me of something.
One day, during Listowel Writers’ Week I was in , of all places, John B. Keane’s. A young man was complaining about how demanding his girlfriend was in the bedroom. “She has me nearly killed,” he said. An old fellow from Duagh sidled up to him and said, “Marry her. That’ll put a stop to that nonsense.”
Mattie Lennon, Blessington, Co Wicklow
