Some people, specially ministers it seems, appear to thrive in self-denial.
Speaking in the media this morning, Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly resolutely said that he is “absolutely, very satisfied’ with the level of compliance regarding payments to Irish Water, even though less than half the people have actually paid the bill.
Minister Kelly got a bit hot under the collar when pushed for answers.
The poor payment level now means that there is a gaping hole of about 37m and some change in Irish Water’s coffers. The company had its hawking eye set on 67m, but has collected less than half of that.
The Government, which had hoped that their pitiful concessions would appeal the masses, will now come under severe pressure to address the issue.
Further mass demonstrations against water charges are planned for the near future.