More TDs pledge to boycott household charge

The number of TDs boycotting the new household charge has risen to 18 today.

The Government announced in the Budget that a new household charge of €100 would come into effect in January.

Those who fail to pay it by March face a fine of up to €2,500.

Nine TDs, including Joe Higgins, Clare Daly and Luke 'Ming' Flanagan launched a campaign yesterday, calling on the public to refuse to pay the tax - and any fines incurred.

Now today, seven Sinn Féin TDs have joined in on the campaign and say they too will not pay the charge.

"It is a bid decision, I don't genuinely believe that there will be jail time," said Donegal TD Pearse Doherty.

"The Government are going to introduce new legislation next year which will deduct fines at sources, but there is serious penalties and serious fines.

"I'm not asking people to follow my lead here in this, this is a personal decision, and anybody who decides not to pay the charge needs to be fully aware of the consequences."