Convicted terrorist announces 'troubles tax'
23 October 2007
Statement by Jim Allister MEP:
The statement yesterday by convicted terrorist and Minister for Regional Development that the “The Executive have recognised that and agreed that, from 2009-10, there will need to be additional contributions from householders” in relation to water charges exposes the lie propagated by many that the restoration of devolution would prevent the introduction of water charges.
Of course, the Executive has only managed to delay the introduction of the charges by taking resources from other departments – a cynical face saving exercise which will fool no one.
I invite readers to visit Peter Robinson’s website to see why this additional financial burden is being placed upon Ulster’s taxpayers. On 7th October 2003 he issued a press release headed “IRA to thank for water charges”. He stated:
“The IRA’s war on Northern Ireland is directly responsible for the introduction of Water Charges here. For thirty years the Province was starved of much needed infrastructure to help fund the battle against terrorism. Northern Ireland householders are now being asked to pay out of their own pockets for this under funding. Sinn Fein’s opposition to Water Charging ring hollow when viewed in the light of the causes of the funding difficulties. The Water Charge in Northern Ireland can be seen to be as much a ‘troubles tax’ as a ‘tap tax".
Who would have thought that four years later Mr Robinson would be Finance Minister in a terrorist inclusive executive which announced the introduction of this “troubles tax”!
Mr Robinson’s statement in full can be viewed at http://peterrobinson.org/PressArticles.asp?Article_ID=120
