Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance) | Oireachtas source

It is called a metaphor. The Deputy might want to listen. When the engine got very cold, one pulled the choke to allow more petrol into it, but often flooded the engine instead. I do not envy the Minister and his new Government in trying to reintroduce water charges after nine months.

There is a lot of emphasis on mental health in the programme for Government. It should let this issue go now. Do not cling on to it. The people have no intention of restarting payment for water. We saw the figures earlier and that 73% of people are not paying. That includes the middle class on whom the Minister relies for his votes. They have now joined the boycott. They have seen the example of those who held the line from the outset and they are not going to start repaying. The Minister can set up any charade of a commission he likes. I am just finishing Acting Chair, as I would not filibuster.

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