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GOVERNMENT MINISTERS HAVE called on Fianna Fáil to back down in the row on water charges that threatens to bring down the minority government.
However, they have rejected suggestions that the government’s days were numbered.
Last night Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil tore into each other following a mammoth seven-hour meeting of the water committee, with the country’s largest party saying it is not willing to stand over the committee’s report as it stands.
With the brinksmanship at a high, could the issue force a general election?
Le-oh no
No, says Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar.
“I went and read the confidence and supply agreement and very specifically in the section on water it allows individual parties retain their positions on water, so we’re not bound by the committee’s report.
The one thing that I’m very confident of is that we’re not going to have a general election on the issue of water. A general election wouldn’t solve the issue of water.
“What Fianna Fáil and people need to remember is that the decision to bring in water meters was made by Fianna Fáil.
“The only reason Fianna Fáil has changed its position so many times now is fear and terror of Sinn Féin and the parties of the extreme left.
“We need to get away from the politics of this and nonsense and rubbish talk about elections and ask what’s the right thing to do for Irish people?”
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Fine Gael TD Colm Brophy denied his party was trying to bring in “back-door water charges”.
However, Brophy would not be drawn on whether or not his party would breach the government’s confidence and supply agreement by not implementing the committee’s report as it stands.
Barry Cowen
Speaking later on RTÉ’s Today with Sean O’Rourke, Barry Cowen rejected Brophy’s version of events as “Fine Gael putting a spin on things”.
“It seems that Simon Coveney was spooked by Leo Varadkar over the weekend, and then suddenly his committee members came in and had a problem with the first sentence of the agreement. Remember that this government wouldn’t have even been formed if a process hadn’t been put in place to deal with water.
Regarding the prospect of the spat bringing down the government, Cowen insisted “we don’t want an election”.
The brink
Junior Minister Finian McGrath said that water was not a major issue for the Independent Alliance at the minute.
“This government is very strong. We’re dealing with the real issues every day and we let those who have other views on water come back with recommendations.
“We are focused on getting the job done. We need to move on and deal with the real issues.”
Health Minister Simon Harris said that the events of the last 24 hours were “very concerning”.
“What has happened is that the mask has slipped in relation to Fianna Fáil. They have now clearly decided to side with Sinn Féin and the hard left.
“They have submitted a set of proposals which do not address the legal obligations this country faces.
“We cannot pass legislation that we know would be in breach of EU law.
“I would ask the Fianna Fáil party to step back from the brink on this issue.”
Vote
Today, the water committee will vote on its final report, ahead of a Dáil debate on it next week. Fine Gael is expected to vote against its endorsement.
Simon Coveney is unlikely to implement its recommendations, arguing as he does that they would breach an EU directive on water.
If he does not, Fianna Fáil say the government will have breached the confidence and supply agreement and could lead to a general election, but both sides say that is something they are actively trying to avoid.
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Great story, lovely to see people getting a permanent home, wishing them health and happiness in their new abodes.
Trust a politician to turn up for the foto
I love my brick. Foto, Foto…
There are 2 houses boarded up on my street in dublin 9. They have been foe over a year since the last families were evicted for drug dealing. There is another around the corner that was vacated and is now used as a changing room for the local soccer club. So there’s 3 3 bed homes not being used. What the fook are the council playing at.
It’s very positive… We could complain and moan, that someone one had to die outside the Dáil for things like this to happen but realise it’s A good news story on the back of a very tough year for the likes of poor John Corry.. Let’s hope they have a good Christmas and great credit The likes of Lord Mayor Christy Burke & all involved..
No Ray,these houses haven’t been planned, built and equipped since that poor man died near the Dail!
But I take your point. Never in the history of our decrepit little state have a government responded so quickly to a tragedyli,e that, but at least they are responding which can only be a good thing. It’s up to us, the public, to ensure that it’s not a just pre christmas, pre election stunt. We need to keep the pressure on to make sure the policy is continued and also spread nationwide. While the homeless crises in Dublin is desperate, and the govt response is making the headlines, other cities like Cork and Waterford have a similar problem which are not being tackled.
great news to hear, i wonder how long they were waiting? just 5 f****in houses though, hard work from Alone mind, they get little support only from what we give :/ and to think this government could provide 500 if they wanted but would rather pay others.
Its so good to know these few people are living in their own homes for Christmas, long may they enjoy and hopefully by next Christmas no one will be sleeping on the streets at least those who don’t want to. Happy Christmas to you.
I used to work with ALONE when i was a teenager, very long time ago, need to get finger out
and get back there , Merry Christmas to one and all, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Once it is not a publicity stunt? What about homeless families too?
Isn’t it great that these people can now have a cup of tea by the fire in their own homes ! All the best to them
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