Newly-independent mayor should now act in defence of the city’s poor

THE newly-elected mayor of Limerick, Diarmuid Scully, who has been expelled from the conservative Fine Gael party, is now in a position to raise issues of concern to the less well off, such as the jailing of people who cannot pay refuse charges.

One of the greatest hidden scandals in the city is the jailing of women for their inability to pay refuse charges.

In recent weeks one mother of two young children served seven days in jail because she could not pay fines imposed for not having a wheelie bin. The mayor is now free from the constraint of a party machine so he should take a lead role in campaigning against these increased refuse charges.

The fact is the charges are being priced beyond the ability of the ordinary people to pay - hence there is dumping and, consequently, court cases. The sad fact is that women in our community are being imprisoned because of their inability to pay. Their very poverty is placing them in prison.

The mayor, as a social democrat, must surely abhor such unequal treatment in our society. While mothers are being imprisoned, corrupt politicians are walking free. The mayor is now a de facto independent member of the city council and, together with the other six independents, could lead a formidable force in local politics to abolish refuse charges and other unfair taxes on the community.

I appeal to Mayor Scully to make his position known on the jailing of people who cannot afford to pay for wheelie bins. As first citizen he must give a clear and uncompromised lead on this issue.

Sean O’Neill

38 Quinn’s Cottages

Prospect

Limerick