Paul Murphy TD pays property tax despite tearing up bill in EU parliament

A left-wing TD has said he will “continue to support” anyone who refuses to pay the property tax, despite performing a U-turn and paying the bill because he had to sell his apartment.

Socialist TD Paul Murphy made the claim as he confirmed he paid €1,151 — including arrears and the €200 household charge — to Revenue in May as part of a legal requirement to sell his €225,000 apartment in south Dublin.

The Dublin South West TD had infamously torn up his property tax bill in the European Parliament while an MEP to voice his opposition to the payment.

He told the Irish Examiner he has now paid the fee as it was “the only way” he would be allowed to sell his home and move to Tallaght, a commitment he previously made to the constituency.

Describing any criticism as “faux outrage”, as the money would have been taken out of his wages by Revenue if he did not pay, Mr Murphy said he “will continue to support anyone who refuses to pay”.

However, he said the “reality” is “the mass boycott [of the property tax] has come to an end” and has been “broken” as large numbers are now paying the charge.