Sinn Féin councillors ordered out of Dublin City Council for opposing rent hike to meet Property Tax

» Mark Moloney

'This Family Home Tax is being fought, so let those in Fianna Fáil who spawned it – and those in Fine Gael and Labour who are imposing it – be exposed for what they are'

TWO Sinn Féin councillors were ordered out of the monthly meeting of Dublin City Council on Monday night in a row over the Property Tax.

Sinn Féin tabled a motion similar to one passed by Monaghan County Council requiring the City Manager not to raise council rents to meet the unfair Family Home Tax. In Dublin, it was ruled out of order by Deputy Mayor Clare Byrne. She said it was on the advice of officials.

When Sinn Féin protested, Sinn Féin Councillors Larry O'Toole (Artane) and Mícheál Mac Donncha (Donaghmede) were ordered to leave the chamber.

Speaking to An Phoblacht after the meeting, Mícheál Mac Donncha said:

“Tonight is not the end of the matter. We are going to challenge this ruling and demand that our motion be put to the Council.

"This Family Home Tax is being fought, so let those in Fianna Fáil who spawned it – and those in Fine Gael and Labour who are imposing it – be exposed for what they are.”