Speaking prior to Saturday’s National Demonstration in Dublin Against Water Charges, Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has called on Fine Gael and the independents to listen to the very simple message coming from people right across the country and scrap the water charges.

Crowe said that people want to see the abolition of water charges not just a suspension.

Deputy Seán Crowe, said:

“As a Dublin South West representative I have been heartened to see such a large turnout at rallies in Tallaght and right across the country.

“It was very clear from the mood of the communities and families who protested, some for the very first time on a protest, that there is a huge level of public anger and determination to defeat these unwanted water charges. People want to see the abolition of water charges not their suspension or some reduction.

“The Government have shown that they are out of touch with ordinary people right across this state, people who are angry, who are frustrated, who are frightened and who are, frankly, sick to the back teeth of the double speak and incompetence of those who were elected to do things differently.

“The establishment of Irish Water has been an unmitigated disaster from the very start, as it has lurched from one fiasco to another.

“Sinn Féin has shown that they are an unnecessary double tax and outlined fairer and more progressive ways of raising the revenue required to manage our water system.

“This Government needs to be given a strong message on Saturday by tens of thousands that people do not and will not accept water charges. It’s time to end forever this water charge.

“The Government needs to wake up and listen to the people on this issue. They need to abolish the water double tax and agree to a Constitutional Amendment Bill that will prevent Irish water ever going into private ownership.”