Fianna Fáil labelled as Politically Opportunistic Hypocrites on water charges

Wicklow Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady and Bray representative Oliver O’Brien have hit out at Fianna Fáil and called them hypocrites on the issue of water charges. They went further to say that both Fine Gael and Labour are trying to spin their way through the upcoming elections by attempting to fool the electorate.

Speaking after the news on Wednesday that households would pay an average of at least €240 a year for the next two years for water charges, Councillor Brady said “Over the last few days there has been a lot of media focus on the issue of water charges. Sinn Féin and I have been consistent in our opposition to water charges because they are a flat aggressive tax that will impact most on working families. However the sheer opportunistic hypocrisy from Fianna Fáil on the issue is unbelievable”.

Oliver O’Brien “Over the last few days we have seen Fianna Fáil local election candidates issue statements condemn Fine Gael and Labour over water charges. The reality is Fianna Fáil first proposed water charges in their National Recovery Plan 2011 – 2014, that plan envisaged an average charge of €400. This is nothing but pure political opportunistic hypocrisy from the party that brought the Country to its knees”.

Brady continued “On Wednesday last we heard Enda Kenny say that he expects the average bill for water will be €240 a year. The bottom line is the proposed Water Charges are another tax on struggling families, are unfair and unjust, and make no economic sense. Once introduced Water Charges would be increased over time and ultimately privatised. The spin coming from Fine Gael and in particular the Labour party is a clear attempt to spin their way through the upcoming election. Irrespective as to how much a standing charge is forcing people to pay another stealth tax, particularly for water is unjust”.

Oliver concluded “The Government’s Water Charge is borrowed from Fianna Fáil and opposed at that time by the Labour Party, is another tax on top of all the other taxes and charges faced by struggling families, who have already been hit with an unprecedented list of taxes and stealth charges. In the upcoming elections people will have an ideal chance to pass judgement on the government and Fianna Fáil on this and other issues.  Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil are all cut from the same cloth and they should be held to account for their actions”.