Pensioners need to stop whingeing

Sir — Here we go again: a chorus of whingers claim the poor old pensioners are being left behind by the Government. What a load of rubbish!

Can I start by saying I am 82 and worked all my life as an electrician — on cold building sites, from eight in the morning, six days a week. Paid all my taxes and union dues and whatever else. But unlike these whingers, I am not one to complain.

I’m married and we had six children — four born in maternity hospitals and two born at home with a midwife and doctor in attendance. When it came time for school, we had a choice of good places for the boys and girls. These things had to be there and I’m glad they were.

My taxes, and all these whingers’ taxes, were there to build, staff and maintain them. Money does not grow on trees: your taxes are not put into a box and saved just for your retirement.

I’d like to remind the whingers of all the benefits pensioners have — free travel, free TV licences, free doctors, free hospitals and almost free prescriptions each month.

Thankfully myself and my wife of 57 years live comfortably on our pensions — State pensions only, no other income.

So come on, please, let’s have less of the poor mouth and more thanks for our good fortune to live in such a great country. And remember nothing is for free. Our sons and daughters are now paying their taxes.

John Judge,

East Finglas, Dublin