Hogan’s climbdown reflects growing pressure on home taxes

The concession by the government on the septic tank registration charge is a desperate attempt to stem the growing opposition to household taxes. Momentum is now building against the household tax and, with 95% still not paying, the government faces mass non-registration of the first troika-imposed tax.

Huge attendances have taken place around the country in the last week at public meetings organised by the Campaign Against Household & Water Taxes, most recently last night in Carlow where 400 packed the Seven Oaks Hotel, 200 in Galway and 160 in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis.

Hundreds also turned out last week in Mayo, Monaghan, Leitrim, Laois and Kildare. This follows a trend of monster meetings in January, largely ignored by the national media: 300 in Clonmel (16 Jan), 500 in Cork (26 Jan), 400 in Limerick,(30 Jan), 250 in Kilkenny (25 Jan) and hundreds at a series of meetings in Donegal.

CAHWT spokesperson Cllr Ruth Coppinger said:
“The vast crowds at these meetings are incensed about the household tax, but they are speaking also about a general inequality in society. They have seen their incomes slashed and their schools and hospitals cut to fund the ongoing bailout . They see this as their chance to make a statement. At the meetings, people are voicing a growing anger at the government whom they hoped would take on the bondholders but instead bowed down to them. ”

“This retreat by Minister Hogan should be seen by all opposed to the household tax as an encouragement to continue the campaign of non-registration. With 95% still not paying, the government has a real problem on its hands. History could be made and the first troika-imposed tax in Ireland could be stopped in its tracks.”