THE MAYOR OF Drogheda says that he left Fine Gael because of “cronyism, bonuses, allowances and privatisation” in Irish Water.

Kevin Callan resigned from the Fine Gael party last night in protest at the government’s handling of water charges.

In a statement released late last night, Callan said that his decision, whilst difficult, “was in no way comparable to the difficulties being experienced by people who have been subjected to a succession of announcements that are as clear as mud”.

“I have been speaking to people from across both County Louth and Meath who are telling me that they simply cannot afford the burden of charges as currently being put forward and the manner in which Irish Water is communicating with the people is quite frankly outrageous.

Many people I know personally who would never protest, who pay their taxes and abide by the law are saying that this issue is not going to go away, that they cannot give any more, that they have funded the restoration of our sovereignty but can go no further.

“The people of this country have already been through an incredibly difficult programme of cost cutting and taxation and this issue is going to continue to lead to resistance around the issues of cronyism, bonuses, allowances and the threat of the utility being privatised.

“I am simply letting the people of my community know that I have heard their protest and I am now lodging my own protest in resigning from Fine Gael, I would suggest the government do the same and listen clearly.”

Louth TD and Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams says that Callan’s resignation is “commendable”.

“He has clearly witnessed the people’s anger over water charges and has recognised that the Fine Gael leadership is not listening.

“I would hope that others in Fine Gael and Labour follow Mr Callan’s example and stand with the people rather than the Government on this issue.”

Read: The mayor of Drogheda has quit Fine Gael over the water charges controversy