Water tax delay does not go far enough

Raymond McCartney MLA

Commenting on Direct Rule Minister Seán Woodward's announcement that the British Government will delay the introduction of phased water charging for domestic customers until April 2007, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Regional Development, Raymond McCartney MLA has expressed regret that the Minister's proposals are still firmly fixed on the introduction of the water tax.

That tax is part of the British Government's agenda to privatise essential public services in the North of Ireland.

"The fact remains that the issue of introducing this double taxation is scandalous," he said. "The Minister states that in his opinion the case for introducing the charge remains a strong one. What perturbs me is that the rationale and logic by the British Direct Rule Minister is woolly and negligent.

"Sinn Féin is committed to opposing the imposition of this additional burden on an already overburdened ratepayer.

"I have no doubt that if Mr Woodward were to impose charges on his own constituents of St Helen's South on Merseyside for a public service that they are already paying for through rates, he would find himself fighting for his political life at the next election. Unfortunately, Mr Woodward knows that he will not have to answer to the electorate here for his arrogance."

"While unionist politicians grandstand in a competition for the anti-Agreement vote, the entire population of the North is being bled dry by the incompetence of British politicians on day release from their own constituencies. It's time that all parties delivered on their manifesto promises to oppose this double taxation by returning the decision making process to the control of a locally accountable administration without delay."