‘Real Taoiseach’ might be the man to dictate the future of Irish Water

SIR, Have we had the final pronouncement on the future of Irish Water by Micheal Martin when he said last week that general taxation should fund our water supply? It could be argued that the ‘real Taoiseach’ has spoken. After all, the current government are totally beholding to Fianna Fáil in order to stay in power. ‘He who pays the piper calls the tune’ is surely true n this instance.

This will not be a new policy as the taxpayer has and continues to fund the supply of water to our homes. Irish Water is a state supported utility – mainly with our motor tax revenue – and we shouldn’t have any difficulty with the European Commission as Irish Water never totally established a new system.

The expert commission set up by the government is viewed by many as a sham and a means of buying time for Fine Gael until the next election. Joe O’ Toole, chairman of said commission, had to fall on his sword for, it seems, leaving the cat out of the bag somewhat.

It appears that Fine Gael are doing their level best not to offend the general public since they formed this very shaky coalition. However, if both of the major parties go to the electorate with these opposing views on the funding of water, it’s easy to see the winner.

Whatever number marched on Saturday in protest at the possible imposition of direct water charges is, at this stage, irrelevant. The fact that as many marched in this hiatus period is even surprising in itself. The people have made their views known already in their previous marches and in the representatives they voted for in the general election.

We will hold Micheal and Fianna Fáil to their word, as many voters are still extremely angry over their handling of the economy in the golden era. Fine Gael are already doing badly in the polls; do they really want to commit ‘hari kari’ ? Sincerely, Gerry Cournane, Tralee.

FF leader Micheál Martin.