Hi °C | Lo °C The much-abused Northern Ireland public should be grateful to LucidTalk's polling for introducing a much-needed dose of reality into the shamefully one-sided debate on corporation tax.
Until now, the only voices raised in this debate outside the Assembly have been - almost exclusively - the voices of businessmen and company directors.
The LucidTalk poll on Wednesday reminds those of us who had forgotten that we are suffering an annual cut in public spending of at least £500m because the annual block-grant from Westminster is calculated on the assumption that the Assembly will raise that sum in water rates.
In fact, the Assembly does not charge us water rates. Fair enough - the survey suggests that we prefer the £500m cut in public spending.
But the Lucid Talk poll also reminds us that a reduction in corporation tax would result in a further annual cut of between £400m and £500m in public spending.
For those in favour of slashing taxes on company profits, isn't the obvious solution to demand the introduction of water rates to finance the gap? Let them try!
It is clear from the poll that 70% of the people questioned were not in favour of corporation tax cuts. How many of the 30% of supporters would become vociferous opponents if the price to be paid had to be water rates?
Politicians need to understand that their support for reduced corporation tax is out of step with public opinion.
NOT A COMPANY DIRECTOR
Belfast
