POLITICS: Can’t Pay Won’t Pay campaigners have called for all those who have paid water charges to be repaid in full as part of any deal to form a new government.
Spokesperson Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig told Donegal Daily, “Those who have paid water charges do not deserve to be left out of pocket if, as reported, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail do a deal on water charges.
“Most of those who paid did so reluctantly not because they agreed with the charges but only because they lacked confidence that the campaign against the charges could succeed or because they were fearful of the consequences.
“Irish Water’s campaign of letters, texts and calls demanding payment, backed up by a continued, hugely expensive advertising campaign on TV, Radio and print media inevitably had an effect in convincing some to pay up, particularly those who had little or no contact with the anti-water charges movement.
“Despite all this, the boycott campaign remained strong. We have always disputed Irish Water’s bogus claims on their payment figures and have shown that the extent of non payment was far higher than they were stating.
“Those of us who boycotted the charges should feel proud that by taking a stand, we are now on the verge of seeing off charging for some time but we do not want those who did pay to be penalised. If the charges are to be ‘suspended’ then no one should be out of pocket and those who paid should be reimbursed. It is only fair.
“We do not think that we have seen the end of water charges completely. While they may be gone for the lifetime of the incoming government, there will probably be another attempt in the following years by a subsequent government. But the lesson from this campaign is clear – Boycott and Win!”