Time Will Tell…
The country gathered at the nation’s capitol at either Huston or Connolly stations to march in protest against the now infamous water charges. The protest was arranged by the “Right to Water” campaign. The “Right to Water” campaigners argue that water charges is already covered by existing local taxes and that the installation of metres comes at the expense of fixing already inadequate infrastructure. When I arrived at Hueston Station at just a little past 1 pm I was struck by the sheer volume of people who were still agitated and still willing to take their personal time to protest this issue.
There was something of a festival atmosphere simmering above the agitation one could see rainbow of flags, banners, and a sea of happy faces. The sun was out, which aided the mood and we started our march into the City Centre. When we got down on to King’s Street Bridge, the group from Dublin 8 joined us, as they had congregated at Arda Street.
As the march progressed down the Quays the crowd began to anthems of war, somewhat irreverent anthem I might add! The people blared out “You can shove your water metre up your arse, up your arse”. Followed by “Mr Kenny, Mr Kelly, You won’t get one penny”, and “Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, Labour, Jail, Jail, Jail them all!”. It would appear that people’s bitterness over this most controversial legislation has far from dissipated.
As we approached Capel Street Bridge the march from Connolly Station amalgamated with our own. The crowd were at fever pitch, the swell of numbers seemed to inflame the sentiment as people felt reinforced in their attitudes by the new increase in numbers. There were loud cheers as both marches combined in to one. When we got down to O’Connell Street, there could of been easily 20,000 plus. As a member of the press, I was given access to the stage that was erected by the campaigners to be close to the speakers.
The stage was a 40 foot truck trailer, the crowd some singing, waited eagerly for the first of the speakers, while the tail end of the protest began to join us on to the street. Before there was any rousing war cries, an appropriate two minutes silence were afforded to both the victims of the tragic Berkley Balcony Disaster and for the Charleston Shooting. After a number of speeches, highlighting the injustices of the situation, Eamonn Campbell, a member of “The Dubliners” and now a member of “The Dublin Legends” lightened the mood. His melodies voice round through a three song set of “Dirty Ole Town”, “Molly Malone”, & “The Irish Rover”.
Only one TD spoke on stage and members of the public then spoke. It was felt that by not allowing too many TD’s, serving members of the Dáil, the Government or Councillors that the event over shadowed by politics. After the fires of protest had been stoked, a real mini inferno took place on the stage has people got up to burn their bill event, which was followed by huge shouts of joy and clapping by the crowd.
I spoke to two different people about Irish Water. One man called Bill was resolute, he stressed won’t be paying for his water supply and does not want to become a customer of Irish Water. Another respondent, a lady called Margaret who travelled from Tipperary, said she can’t afford another bill and she informed me she did not reply to Irish Water. Currently, the bill was sent sits on a frame on her wall! These people seemed unwilling to be moved.
On the same note according to a leaflet, which I got at the march, estimated that around 800 000 people out off 1.2 million homes and businesses that were sent out bills, did not pay. Irish Water will not support this or deny it. So far the people are holding out and refusing. Time will tell who will give in first.
