Water campaigners finalising election manifesto

The Right2Water campaign is finalising a de facto manifesto for potential election candidates which will focus on the wider austerity debate.

Fri, 20 Mar, 2015 - 00:00

Fiachra Ó Cionnaith

Union and political figures involved in the campaign confirmed the move after launching the movement’s latest national day of protest, which will take place tomorrow, saying it will create a “coalition of candidates”.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner after the meeting outside Irish Water’s offices in Dublin, Unite trade union leader and Right2Water official Brendan Ogle said the group is drawing up a list of “alternative” national policies.

While focusing on alternative ways to fund water services, the group is looking at other positions on tax, public debt, education, job creation, and workers’ rights.

Mr Ogle said the manifesto is still being drawn up and is likely to be completed before a private Right2Water meeting on May 1 and 2. At this point, some 180 union members, community activists, and officials from campaign-linked parties will further discuss the issues.

Once the document is signed off on at the meeting, Mr Ogle said a public statement will be made asking any candidate or sitting TD from any party who opposes water charges to agree to fight for the policies if they win a Dáil seat.

Asked how the campaign can ensure politicians will implement the policies after an election, Mr Ogle admitted that it cannot, and that “if we can find the secret to making politicians do what they say they will, we’ll share it”.

However, he said the approach will allow anti-water charge candidates to campaign on a clear platform for wider reforms, placing further pressure on any government.

News of the de facto manifesto was revealed as Mr Ogle and TDs Richard Boyd Barrett (People before Profit), Joe Higgins (Socialist Party), Dessie Ellis (Sinn Féin), and Joan Collins (Independent) said they expect “tens of thousands” of people to attend tomorrow’s national protest.

The event begins at 1pm at three locations in Dublin: Heuston Station, Connolly Station, and Merrion Square. They will converge on O’Connell Bridge and end with a rally on O’Connell St at around 2.30pm.

Mr Ellis of Sinn Féin said he is aware of some water charge protesters who “cannot afford to pay, some of them can’t even put bread on their table. They’re eating corn flakes instead.”