I read with interest your editorial “What about the budget?” (TMID, 24 October) on the “actual Opposition Leader’s” speech as a reply to the 2008 budget.

While I agree in toto with your detailed delivery of the reason as to why the Opposition Leader had to resort to defend himself and his party, it seems that you have missed one very important promise that was dished just for the sake of promising something more than what the Prime Minister announced two weeks ago.

I am referring to the income tax bands. After a detailed study it was established that there exists a section of employees who are still being taxed at a 25 per cent or 35 per cent on their overtime. As you well know the Opposition Leader is proposing that there will be no tax on any overtime worked.

But does Dr Sant, as an economist, know what he is saying? Does Dr Sant realise the implications of his statement?

I am saying his, because I am morally convinced that he did not consult with anyone in his party to this (remember Lino Spiteri’s reaction to removal of VAT?). If Dr Sant convinces me that this was discussed and approved by his party, then sorry, we have touched rock bottom.

I remember that prior to the 2003 election, the then Opposition Leader, none other than Dr Sant himself, had promised something like a one month tax grace to kick-start the economy, he sad. All and sundry know who got the kick. I personally feel that if this new idea is implemented it will be a kick-start to a national economical disaster in government revenues. This would lead to unimaginable drastic consequences.

Vincent Ellul

Mosta