With the controversial water charges set and firmly in place, the political debate will surely take centre stage over the coming months and it seems that Fianna Fáil have taken the first shot at the current coalition Government. The political squabbling has seemingly got under way with the general elections within sight in just over 15 months time and it seems that Fianna Fáil has their eyes firmly set on the hot seat after the parties Environment spokesman Barry Cowen has called the current government’s introduction of a package of measures on water charges a “massive climbdown” by the coalition and that the setting up of Irish Water was an “unmitigated disaster”.
Mr Cowen also claims that a significant amount of money had already been wasted by the Government. Mr Cowen was speaking outside the Dáil after the recent water charges announcement were he said: “The Government’s determination to bring in Irish Water has cost the taxpayer hundreds of millions of euro (and) stalled any progress in infrastructure,” “€700m was spent in the set-up of Irish Water and the installation of meters. Not one cent was invested in the ground or in any pipe.”
Mr Cowen’s statement will surely be the first of many questioning the current coalition Government’s decisions over their time in charge of the country. With many believing the introduction of the controversial water charges which has been opposed by the majority of the public will ultimately be the current coalition’s downfall.