JUST what on earth is Mr Margrett talking about when he says Ireland's "standard of living is higher than in this country since they joined the euro" (You Say, August 19).

For his information, average wages in Ireland are lower than in the UK and income tax is higher - 42 per cent for earnings above 28,000 euros (£20,000) per annum. Ireland also has a top rate of VAT of 21 per cent.

The so called "Celtic Tiger" economy of the late 1990s has been ruined by the imposition, by the European Central Bank, of interest rates far too low to suit Ireland.

Unfortunately, there is absolutely nothing Irish politicians can do about this, because unlike the still independent UK, Ireland has no control over its own economic affairs.

From where do people get these strange ideas?

GARY WEBB, Worcester.