ENVIRONMENT MINISTER ALAN Kelly was compared to the character of Nelson Muntz from The Simpsons as the Dáil once again debated water charges today.

Both Sinn Féin’s Gerry Adams and the Socialist TD Paul Murphy raised the water issue at Leaders Questions amid indications that those who do not pay will have water charges taken from their income.

Murphy accused the government of threatening and intimidating those who refuse to comply with the controversial charges.

“Minister Kelly is swaggering around the place like Nelson from The Simpsons, threatening to rob people’s lunch money,” he told TDs.
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Today FM’s political correspondent (formerly of this parish) was quick to point that the outspoken Murphy wasn’t quite accurate with his pop culture reference:

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It wasn’t the only criticism Kelly faced today, Adams described him as “the minister for making it up as he goes along”.

Mounting a typically strong defence the charges, Taoiseach Enda Kenny insisted:

It’s about time that people face up to the reality that water has to be paid for.

He insisted that the charges are “a modest contribution to make” for quality water.

Earlier, facing calls for a general election from Adams, Kenny said he would not be calling one until “it’s appropriate to do so”.

That’s a slight departure from his previously stated position that the general election will not place until spring 2016.

State of the Nation: The government will have to take one more hit on water charges – but will it be fatal?