Opinion: Government should rue failure to pursue democratic revolution

THE Government took an important tactical decision yesterday, and the opposition may do so on another issue soon. Both manoeuvres have potentially enormous strategic consequences.

Firstly, the Government decided that to successfully keep water charges legislation on course through the Dáil, that debate will be guillotined tonight.

This judgement is tactically critical. Passing the bill through the Dáil is necessary before it can go to the Seanad, and begin a contentious debate there, whose ultimate outcome is uncertain.