Politics

Donegal protestors to hold 24-hour anti-water charge picket

Calls for junior minister Joe McHugh to support motion to abolish water charges

Independent Donegal county councillor Micheál Mac Giolla Easbuig said junior minister Joe McHugh needed to show the people of Donegal where he stands on the issue of water charges. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Independent Donegal county councillor Micheál Mac Giolla Easbuig said junior minister Joe McHugh needed to show the people of Donegal where he stands on the issue of water charges. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Stephen Maguire
Mon Nov 17 2014 - 16:11

Anti-water charge protestors are to hold a marathon 24-hour protest outside a Government minister's office in Donegal later this week.

Members of Can’t Pay Won’t Pay in Co Donegal are to picket junior minister Joe McHugh’s office in Letterkenny next Friday and Saturday.

Spokesman and Independent Donegal county councillor Micheál Mac Giolla Easbuig said the protest will start at noon on Friday and continue until the following day.

He said the minister needs to come out and support a motion to abolish water charges which was supported by his own party at county council level last weekend.

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Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig said the minister needed to make his position clear and show the people of Donegal where he stands on the issue.

“He needs to come out and support the people who elected him,” said Mr Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig. “By not doing that there will be more pressure on him retaining his seat.

“ I would go as far to say that by not coming out and supporting the people could cost him his seat.”

Cllr MacGiolla Easbuig encouraged as many people as possible to take part in the 24-hour protest.

“We want to show the minister that we are deadly serious about this and he now has then chance to stand by the people,” he added.