Some taxi drivers need a kick in the ass and a toutch of realism.

Having a chat with a taxi driver the other day in his late 60s. He sold his first plate just before derugulation for big money. He then, a couple of years later took advantage of derugulation and bought a new plate. He now shuffles around in his taxi doing more hours than most and collecting his Government pension. He most likely gets free Electricity units, a free TV licence and we have no problem with this. In the army, Garda and civil service, early retirement is promoted to allow the younger generation strive. But instead of applying equal measures here, we just want the young lads with their families on welfare got rid of. Then to make matters more confusing we are now seeking as part of our new document to the minister for transport welfare for all taxi drivers in hard times. There are Irish as well as foreign drivers who have come into this industry in their droves simply because they got a back to work scheme, now we want it for all. This action plan if anything is schizophrenic. I make no secrets I am cosying since I came back into the industry, after other work dried up. Everyone in Waterford knows my Identity so if I was iligal I would not last long. Had a plate but had to put two gear boxes into it , In the end we could not find the money to continue.