Feet on the street on August 29th is best answer to water prosecutions

Cork Workers’ Party councillor Ted Tynan has said that a massive turnout of protesters for the Right 2 Water demonstration in Dublin on August 29^th would be the best response people could give to the DPPs decision to prosecute more than 20 activists in relation to last November’s Jobstown protest.

Cllr. Tynan said that the decision to prosecute the protesters, including 3 elected representatives, on extremely serious charges was nothing less than a politically inspired assault on the anti water charges movement as a whole.

The Workers’ Party city councillor said the best answer opponents of the water charges could give to this government offensive would be to put tens of thousands of feet on the streets of Dublin on 29^th August in a clear message of defiance.

“This campaign is not going to be cowed by the victimisation of individual protesters, it will only get stronger but it needs to show its strength with a massive turnout for the demonstration on the 29^th and continued resistance on the ground” said Cllr. Tynan.

Workers Party reiterate position in support of non-payment of water charges

Workers’ Party Councillor Ted Tynan has said comments he made in an interview with the Cork News in relation to the party’s position in support of the non-payment of water charges had been taken out of context.

Cllr. Tynan said the Workers’ Party was very clear in its total opposition to water charges and its call for a mass non-payment campaign. 

He said: “I was making the point that while non-payment is central to defeating the water charges and Irish Water it is only one element in the fight against these charges and the privatisation of a vital natural resource.  This battle cannot be reduced to simple sloganising.”

“In addition to non-payment , the Workers Party supports communities in their fight against the installation of water meters. We also believe there is a need for a vigorous campaign against the privatisation of this vital resource and we endorse the position of the United Nations that the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation is a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights.”

“The Workers Party believes that Irish Water must be abolished along with the water charges and the responsibility for public water and sanitation should revert to the local authorities which must be properly funded from a progressive and fair taxation system”, said Cllr. Tynan.

MARRIAGE EQUALITY VOTE SHOWS IRELAND A TRANSFORMED COUNTRY

Cork Workers’ Party Councillor Ted Tynan has said that the big Yes vote in the Marriage Equality referendum shows that Ireland is a transformed country compared to what it was even 20 years ago.

Cllr Ted Tynan (right) with WP member Adam McCarthy at Cork Count in City Halll

Welcoming the almost 2 to 1 Yes vote in Cork North Central, Cllr. Tynan said it represented an open, more tolerant and inclusive society and a marked decline of conservatism across the country. 

Cllr. Tynan said: “Twenty years ago Ireland voted by the narrowest of margins, about half a percentage point of difference, to legalise Divorce.  Cork North Central on that occasion voted No.  Yesterday that same constituency voted overwhelmingly to allow for same-sex marriage.  That by any measure is a huge change in just 20 years. It represents a social revolution in people’s outlook and attitudes”.

The Workers’ Party Councillor said the result showed that there is now an appetite for more social change in this country.  “This vote should pave the way for a referendum to Repeal the 8^th amendment and to remove other reactionary and outdated laws and practices in this country. A new morning has dawned and we should not miss the opportunity to advance true democratic values and equality for all citizens”, said Cllr. Tynan.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR BUS STRIKE RESTS SQUARELY WITH GOVERNMENT

Workers’ Party Councillor, Ted Tynan, has expressed solidarity with striking Bus Éireann workers in Cork today, saying that the responsibility for the strike rests squarely with the government.

Cllr. Tynan said that despite claims to the contrary from Minister Pascal Donohue and the National Roads Authority, the government was determined to privatise a  much larger portion of public transport than the 10% currently proposed which he described as a foot in the door which would inevitably be kicked open if workers didn’t take a stand.

“On this May Day I am calling for solidarity for and understanding towards the Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus drivers and to all workers in Ireland and internationally.  This strike is being portrayed as being about disruption and stubbornness – in fact it is about the very survival of publicly owned and operated public transport”.

“The Workers’ Party calls on the government to abandon the route privatisations and to  properly fund public transport.  It needs to be pointed out that Ireland has one of the lowest rates of state subsidy for public transport in the European Union.  Instead of selling off the most lucrative routes to purely profit oriented operators, the state should be investing in building a public transport service fit for purpose.”, said Cllr. Tynan

Right 2 Water demonstration Dublin March 21st

Next Saturday, 21st March, what is likely to be the most important anti-water charges protest yet will be held in Dublin.  Over the next few weeks bills wills begin to drop through the letterboxes of well over one million people.  So far a magnificent campaign of resistance to these unjust charges has been fought in every corner of the country.  Ordinary working class communities have stood up and refused to accept the water charges which are a prelude to the selling off of that most vital resource - Water.  If we don't stand up and fight now, and mount a massive and lasting BOYCOTT of the water charges, we will pay, our children will pay and our grandchildren will pay a terrible price.  If we lose the battle water will become just another commodity owned by some billionaire or conglomerate and sold at huge profit to the citizens.

I urge as many citizens as possible to get to Dublin for next Saturday's march.  It could be the most important protest march in modern Irish history.  Buses, trains and cars will come from every corner of the country and the Right 2 Water campaign in Cork are running buses directly to the centre of Dublin for the event.  See below for details.

Ted Tynan

Will you be there?

Cllr. Ted Tynan condemns arrest of Paul Murphy TD and other anti-water charge activists

Cork Workers’ Party councillor Ted Tynan has condemned the arrest of Socialist Party deputy Paul Murphy and a number of other citizens in Dublin in relation to last November’s protest against Tánaiste and Labour Party leader Joan Burton, describing the arrests as a political act aimed at intimidating the anti-water charges campaign as a whole.

Cllr. Tynan said that the arrests were in sharp contrast to the state’s failure to jail the bankers and property speculators who had destroyed the Irish economy and  driven a large section of the population into deep  and long-term poverty.

The Workers’ Party councillor said that sections of the media, especially newspapers controlled by the Denis O’Brien group, had deliberately whipped up a frenzy of hate and gross exaggeration against those engaged in protest against the Troika’s water charges.  “Having failed to damage the anti-water charges campaign with a torrent of abuse and lies, the state is now seeking to intimidate people engaged in legitimate protest.  I predict now that this intimidation will not only fail but it will massively backfire against the government”, said Cllr. Tynan

Tynan welcomes new Dublin councillor to Workers Party

Cork Workers' Party councillor, Ted Tynan, has welcomed Cllr. Éilis Ryan, a member of Dublin City Council, to the Workers' Party has said he hopes to work with her to project the party's voice on local government.

Cllr. Éilis Ryan, now represents the Workers' Party on Dublin City Council

"I am delighted that Cllr. Ryan has decided to join the Workers' Party.  It gives the party a presence on Dublin City Council for the first time in years and having met Éilis I am more than convinced that she will play an important and dynamic role as a Workers' Party representative in the capital", said Cllr. Tynan.

Click here to read Cllr. Éilis Ryan's statement on why she has joined the Workers' Party

Cllr. Éilis Ryan join the Workers' Party