12/02/2016

Fianna Fáil Accused Of 'Massive U-Turn' On Water Charges

Sinn Féin has accused Fianna Fáil of a "massive u-turn" on water charges, but said that the party has not "changed its colours despite its attempt to re-brand itself".

Speaking after Fianna Fáil's election manifesto launch, Sinn Féin Deputy Leader, Mary Lou McDonald, said: "The abolition of water charges is a key red line issue for Sinn Féin. We will not enter government unless we can deliver on this commitment to the people.

"Despite having come up with the plan to introduce water charges Fianna Fáil has been busy with a populist rebranding exercise, part of which was a commitment to abolish water charges.

"Indeed, it was a key part of Micheál Martin's Ard Fheis speech this year when he said, 'we will scrap Irish Water and the failed, loss-making charge which funds it'.

"Today's announcement that they will not scrap the charges but simply suspend them for five years is a massive u-turn and a reminder that Fianna Fáil has not changed its colours despite its attempts to re-brand itself.

"Not only did Fianna Fáil join Fine Gael and Labour in cooking the books to over promise in this election but it is now clear that they are all on the same side when it comes to water charges."

(MH/LM)

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