Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)

Northern Ireland was treated to an annual series of denials of the inevitable until the poisoned chalice was handed over to a hapless member of the Ulster Unionist Party and Sinn Féin washed its hands of the issue. The dogs in the street know that Stormont will soon be introducing water charges with the agreement of Sinn Féin for the same reason as they are being introduced here, namely, they are an economic necessity. Like many Members, I wish we could maintain the provision of water through the central taxation system but to assert this could remain the case is to betray a wilful ignorance of the crisis facing this country.

Any new system must be informed by fairness, equity and conservation, as well as take into account the ability of households to pay. It is essential that the operation of the water service does not fall into private hands. The Labour Party is committed to a wholly State owned water utility that is managed and delivered under democratic control. Sinn Féin would have us believe the rains that fall on the Cooley mountains can be brought free of charge to the tap if it happens to flow south but must be paid for if it flows north. The only difference between that party's policies and the Labour Party's approach to water charges is that we are being up-front with the people instead of hiding behind half-truths and evasions. History taught us that Houdini's water tricks were only elaborate deceptions. The same judgment will be passed on the tricks that Sinn Féin is performing in Northern Ireland.

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