Sinn Féin councillor Jack Murray has commended the hundreds of protesters who travelled from Donegal to the Fine Gael Ard Fheis in Dublin to demonstrate against government austerity.
Speaking after attending the demonstration, Cllr Murray said: “The people of Ireland have sent a clear message to the government and its policies of austerity. Some 1,000,000 households have refused to pay the household charge, while some estimates of the size of the crowd protesting at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis on Saturday are as high as 10,000.
“The household charge has failed. The message has been delivered loud and clear. The government must now respond and repeal their regressive austere policies.
“Sinn Féin TDs have moved a bill in the Dáil which, if successful, would repeal the household charge and provide a rebate for those who have paid. We have also presented a number of proposals which would raise greater revenue without impacting on those who can least afford it.”
Cllr Murray commended the Donegal delegation who travelled to the protest: “Donegal was perhaps one of the most visible counties at the weekend’s protest. Hundreds of people had travelled from Donegal to the capital. Many had been inspired by the protest walk from Malin Head to Dublin which captured the imagination of the country.
“It was clear from the mood in Dublin that, if the government does not introduce a fair taxation system, this will not be the last protest during the term of this government.”
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