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S. E. A. Statements

Main parties muddying water charges issue

Eamonn McCann, Socialist Envioronmental Alliance candidate in Foyle, speaking at meeting in Galliagh, Sunday afternoon, February 18th.

Sunday 18th February 2007

Have any or all of the four main parties done a deal with the British Government over water charges?

Just over a fortnight before the poll, none of them is talking straight on the issue.

Once they are in office, they will have the power to throw water charges out. Why won't they promise to do this?

Why do they keep telling people to remember the rent and rates strike of the 1970s? Once the Executive is up and running, they'll be in a position to prevent any repeat of the rent and rates strike.

The four main parties appear to be working together to muddy the water charges issue. People should put it straight to them on the doorsteps: why do they say they are totally opposed to water charges---but refuse to pledge they will prevent them coming in?

The only explanation is that they intend to allow water charges to come in, but are refusing to admit this until the election is over.

The question is: Will they sit in a government which imposes water charges, or will they not?

Mass non-payment is the only strategy with a hope of stopping water charges. None of the four main parties has come up with any alternative strategy. I call on rank and file members of other parties to speak up for non-payment.

The only clear way to vote against water charges is to vote for candidates supporting non-payment.





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