IF GOVERNMENT party strategists and spin doctors had observer status and had been allowed attend a recent meeting of the National Federation of Group Water Schemes in Athlone, a collective chill would have run down their backs.
Those in attendance and the way they were doing their business had the ability to scuttle the best general election plans.
Here was an organisation which had mushroomed into existence in a matter of weeks, representing several hundred thousand people struggling to secure an adequate water supply at considerable cost. They were angered at the Government's abandoning of water charges, perceived as a sop to urban dwellers.
Moreover, there were delegates from most constituencies and topping the agenda was a proposal to put up election candidates.
Whatever about winning seats, their presence on ballot papers would have been enough to knock out a fair share of sitting Government TDs.
Mayo delegates from a county with the highest number of group water schemes, involving 14,248 householders, were predicting they could fill the first three of five seats there.
After evaluating what they had achieved in a short time, they decided not to field candidates. A crucial point was that concessions had come through a nonpolitical approach.
One could imagine the collective sighs in party headquarters next day; the perception being that group water scheme people were placated. But the decision should not be read as an indication that group schemes are happy. Take a small scheme in the Lawrencetown Eyrecourt area near Ballinasloe in Co Galway, waiting for years for funds for temporary repairs costing £200,000, or to be linked into a large scheme nearby.
They are so disgruntled at the lack of an adequate supply that they made a video about it which they are delivering in person this week to the European Commissioner with responsibility for structural funds, Ms Monika Wulf Mathies.
The source serving up to 175 houses dries up for months every year. When the water does flow, it is unfit for human consumption. The effects on community life have been appalling, according to the group's spokesman, Mr James Joyce, principal of Lawrencetown National School.
. There is no drinking water all year round as the source is polluted with faecal matter.
. Nine cases of hepatitis last year are attributed to the poor supply.
. There is prolonged water rationing. Older people and the housebound can be left without water for days.
. People are afraid to wash or bath themselves or their children. The supply is hazardous for babies in terms of washing and feeding.
. Farmers have difficulties because of a poor low quantity supply.
. People have to travel several miles regularly to collect water from unpolluted sources.
. The local parish priest will not use the water either for Mass or baptism.
. Not enough water is available for firefighting.
Problems have arisen since drainage work affected the original source during the 1970s. The scheme is overdependent on a stream which is polluted and often dries up. Cattle drink and relieve themselves close to where it feeds into a pumphouse.
Overflow from septic tanks, particularly from a local authority housing scheme, causes further pollution. Many have tried to sink their own well but it can cost up to £5,000 for a private supply and sources are frequently contaminated.
Mr Joyce lays most blame on Galway County Council. Local people protested outside the council headquarters last week and are unhappy with the outcome. Devolution of responsibility for water schemes to local authorities is the crux. The council says that it has yet to get guidelines on how a plan to upgrade schemes will work.
"We believe the Minister for the Environment, Mr Howlin, wants nothing to do with group schemes. Yet the council is not in a position to act. He has condemned us to a 10 year waiting list and we're on the bottom."
Anger was compounded by Mr Howlin saying that he doesn't know when it might be possible to link the scheme with a regional supply in Ballinasloe. On upgrading the scheme as a temporary relief, he noted that following the decision to devolve the administration of group schemes to local authorities, it was a matter for the council.
Mr Joyce says that he knows of many other schemes facing similar difficulties. Who said water schemes are off the general election agenda?