LABOUR IN PANIC OVER WATER CHARGES

“THE LABOUR PARTY today is in an obvious panic over the water charges – and they have every reason to be.  Labour’s infamous advertisements during the last general election specifically named the Fine Gael water tax of €238 per annum as one of the key things they would stop if in government.   Their betrayal on this will cost them dearly.” said Councillor Declan Bree when he addressed those attending the United Left People First annual Easter 1916 Commemoration Ceremony in Sligo on Easter Sunday.

Led by flag-bearers carrying the Tri-colour and the Plough and the Stars, participants in the ceremony marched from Cairns Drive to the Republican Plot in Sligo cemetery to hear Cllr Bree deliver the oration.

“Attempts by government to portray the new water tax as being about water conservation are total nonsense.  The creation of the Irish Water company is about paving the way towards privatisation of our water services.” said Cllr Bree

“Water is currently processed and supplied to homes all over the country as is, that means, it is already paid for by taxpayers.

“The imposition of this Water Tax is demanding that ordinary people pay on the double and it exposes as hollow the fraudulent promises about tax cuts that are being made by government in a desperate effort to buy votes.

“Nothing can disguise the fact that the extra money raised from the Water Tax will be used to help clear the debts of the financial speculators and developers – that is, it will go straight into the back pockets of the bankers and bondholders.  

“The current government like the previous Fianna Fail -Green administration has betrayed the democratic principles of the 1916 Proclamation.” said Cllr Bree.

Following the oration as a lone piper played a lament, Ms Brenda Barr laid a wreath on behalf of the United Left People First, Ms Laura Scanlon laid a wreath on behalf of the Connolly Forum and Mr Thomas Banks laid a floral tribute on behalf of the People’s Movement.  The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem.