Abolition of water charges wrong - Harney

The leader of the Progressive Democrats, Ms Mary Harney, said in Limerick yesterday the Government has made a "wrong decision…

The leader of the Progressive Democrats, Ms Mary Harney, said in Limerick yesterday the Government has made a "wrong decision" in abolishing the water charges. "There should instead be a reform of the system to make it more equitable and fair to all."

She described the decision as "auction politics" which would cost £100 million a year over the next 10 years, or £4 a week for the average taxpayer. "At two tonnes of water a week, we are the highest users in Europe with double the average European usage."