Several hundred march on Dáil against Household Charge

» Mark Moloney

More than 40% of homes across the state have refused to register for the flat-tax

HUNDREDS of people marched to the Dáil this evening calling on the public to keep up the boycott of the Fine Gael/Labour Government's unfair Househoold Charge. More than 40% of homes across the state have so far refused to register for the flat-tax.

Activists from across the state – including many from Sinn Féin, the United Left Alliance and other progressive groups – took part in the demonstration.

Speaking at the event, Dublin Council of Trade Unions spokesperson Mick O'Reilly said: "Council workers who oppose the tax should play no part in encouraging others to pay it."

Many activists said that while the €100 initial charge may seem small to some, it will undoubtedly be increased over coming years.

The protest in Dublin coincided with TDs' summer recess and came just days after local authorities sent out what were described by activists as “threatening letters” insisting on payment of the Household Charge and warning of penalties for non-compliance by households already struggling to get by.