Plans to establish citizens’ movement

Trade unions that are currently leading a nationwide campaign against water charges are to drive plans to set up a left-wing political movement.

The emergence of a “citizens’ movement” was revealed at a conference held by Right2Water yesterday, where it announced details of a fourth national demonstration to take place in Dublin next Saturday, March 21.

The formation of the body is to be discussed at a conference involving trade unions, community organisations, and political parties over the May Day weekend.

One of the leaders of the Right2Water campaign, Brendan Ogle, said it was “unlikely” a political party, as such, would emerge from the conference.

The campaign includes unions such as Mandate, Unite, the CPSU, and CWU, as well as political parties like Sinn Féin, People Before Profit, the Anti Austerity Alliance, and the likes of Communities Against Water Charges.

Mr Ogle, of Unite, said Right2Water was an umbrella organisation and that hundreds of community groups were affiliated.

John Douglas of Mandate claimed the campaign had mobilised in the region of 500,000 people in the course of its national events, with the help of affiliated political and community groups.

He said the campaign had “secured significant concessions” in terms of charges and deadlines, but added that it wants the abolition of the charge and of Irish Water.

“We believe we have the Government on the run,” Mr Douglas said, adding that it was going to be a major political issue in the next general election.

He said the water charges typified “everything that was wrong with this country”. He claimed the Government in the last budget gave €400m back to the wealthiest 17% in society while imposing the regressive water tax “on the poorest in society”.

Mr Douglas said the unions were expanding their campaign to socioeconomic issues like “health, education, and housing”.

He said Right2Water was “not forming a political party” but rather wanted to create “a progressive platform” comprising “a left-wing coalition” of trade unions, political parties, activists, and community groups.

Mr Ogle said that with the general election coming up next year, people were looking around at the issues that affected them and how they could be handled. He said the conference in May will hear from movements in Spain, Greece, and Bolivia.

“I don’t know what the conference will lead to; it’s unlikely to lead to a party, but a broad platform, a citizens’ movement.”

Bernie Hughes of Communities Against Water Charges said that “without a doubt” people from her group would be standing in the next election.