Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

It is unfortunate for the Taoiseach that he is so far removed from the feelings of the ordinary people he has angered so much with his austerity agenda and, in particular, his water tax. It is also unfortunate for the people because they do not want to be protesting on the streets. They have many other things to be doing, but they are on the streets because this is the last straw. Their protests will intensify if the Government persists with its approach by sending out water tax bills at the end of January and February. The massive boycott that the Government will face in such circumstances will put Captain Boycott in the shade. The Government thinks it can mollify the people by providing next week for a supposedly lower charge.

See this speech in context