Household tax campaign has Kenny visit in sights

As the Cork campaign against the household charge prepared for a rally in the city last night (Thursday), figures within the movement were eyeing the visit of Taoiseach Enda Kenny to Cork next Friday, and considering a protest.

A spokesman for the Cork committee said yesterday that the issue would be put to the meeting, and it was “probable” the campaign would agree to mount a protest at County Hall next Friday, during the Taoiseach’s attendance at the annual dinner of Cork Chamber.

Cobh campaign spokesman John Jeffries was in favour of a protest: “I think it’s clear that generally, people are unhappy about this charge, and given the few opportunities that exist for getting our message out at national level, that members would be in favour of mounting a protest.”

Treasurer of the Cork Anti-Household & Water Tax campaign (CAHWT), Alan Gibson, said last night’s meeting, attended by socialist TD Joe Higgins, marked the beginning of an intensification of efforts against the €100 tax.

Public meetings, fundraisers and other rallies will be announced from early February, at locations throughout the city and county, and Mr Gibson said the next month would see the campaign move into a crucial phase, with St Patrick’s Day as its next significant marking post.

“Around 45,000 people have registered, so the Government will need a massive boost if this is going to succeed. It’s clear that a lot of people haven’t made up their minds, so what we’re saying is, leave the decision until St Patrick’s Day, check levels of registration at that stage, and decide then,” he said.

At this point, Mr Gibson explained, the campaign would decide on its next step, and what form the movement would take would depend upon the levels registered.

Visit Cork CAHWT on Facebook for regular updates on the campaign’s progress.