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Dáil talk
State of the Nation: Can Enda escape the Irish Water protesters?
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening in Irish politics right now…
HERE IS THEJOURNAL.IE’s comprehensive guide to what’s happening in the political world this morning.
Everyone’s talking about…
Enda Kenny is increasingly finding his public appearances marred by protests about water. The most recent was at the GPO on O’Connell Street last night where, amongst other things, he was called a c*** by one woman who was swiftly removed. Then as the Taoiseach outlined the government’s plans to commemorate 1916 there was very audible banging on the windows.
Despite promising certainty and clarity on water charges next week it’s unikely to satisfy those demonstrating last night who want the charges scrapped altogether. Kenny insisted earlier in the week he does not need garda protection from the demonstrators but while he may not be worried about his personal safety it appears he cannot escape the protesters’ shouting, their taunts and their anger.
The agenda
- The Taoiseach is off to New York today to attend the Ireland-US Council Annual dinner. Tomorrow he is visiting the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and holding a number of other meetings in the Big Apple.
- 10am: Ulster Bank chief Jim Brown goes before the Finance Committee before it’s AIB chief David Duffy’s turn at 2pm
- 12pm: It’s Joan Burton’s turn to take Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil
What the others are saying…
The State is backing another €100 million in borrowing by Irish Water as it completes its start-up and funds further meter installation, the Irish Times says.
Meanwhile, the Irish Examiner says that the installation of meters will result in only a 6 per cent saving in the amount of water an averages family uses.
The same paper also says that Fine Gael TD Tom Barry has said he will not pay for his home on his family farm to be metered for a second time as it already has been since 1966.
In case you missed it…
- The Dáil debated alleged sexual abuse in the Republican movement with new revelations and harrowing contributions.
- The Public Accounts Committee was told it cannot immediately investigate a dossier alleging tax evasion by former senior politicians.
- Gerry Adams’s ‘gunpoint’ comments were widely condemned – but he’s not withdrawing them.
- Ivor Callely was granted bail after four months in prison.
On the Twitter machine…
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