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Anti-Home Tax Rally a Massive Success

24/03/12

Dublin’s National Stadium was packed to capacity earlier today as the Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes held its final major rally ahead of the March 31 deadline for payment of Phil Hogan’s hated poll tax. In excess of three thousand people descended on the south Dublin venue, with hundreds having to stand outside as there wasn’t even standing room left within.

From noon it was clear that the rally was going to be a huge success as buses from all corners of the state started to arrive. As the crowds continued to swell a near carnival-like atmosphere developed with rounds of applause greeting blocks of new arrivals. When several hundred protesters from the surrounding communities marched up the South Circular Road the response of the crowd was as spontaneous as it was loud.

By the time the official start time of one o’clock came around the National Stadium was full to the rafters, the air filled with a mix of excitement and not so quiet determination. The sense and power of mutual reinforcement was palpable – here were thousands of people standing shoulder to shoulder to tell the Dublin government that their home tax was dead in the water.

For the next three hours speaker after speaker, from the floor and from the main stage, pledged their opposition to the home and sceptic tank taxes as well as future property and water taxes. Politicians, trade unionists, workers, pensioners, young mothers, old fathers and everything in between posed questions and gave answers. Tactics, strategies and future events were all debated in a constructive and spirited manner.

Such scenes have rarely been seen in recent years in Dublin, or any other part of Ireland. Threats of penalties, interest and fines were dismissed by young and old alike. Had Phil Hogan been present his blood would surely have run cold at the thoughts of explaining to the Troika what he had witnessed on a sunny Saturday afternoon in March. With just seven days to go to the March 31 deadline and 80 per cent of households still not registered the prospects of a mass boycott are now near certain.

Speaking after the rally, at which she spoke, éirígí Councillor Louise Minihan said, “Today has been a fantastic success. Everyone who organised and took part in the rally should be rightly proud of themselves. The message coming from across the state is crystal clear – the home tax will not be paid. The Dublin government have a real fight on their hands, a fight with hundreds of thousands of their own citizens.

“In seven days time, on the very deadline for payment of the home tax Fine Gael will hold their Ard Fheis in the National Conference Centre. We have to make sure that the delegates are greeted with thousands of protesters opposing not only the home tax but the entire austerity programme. I would appeal to republicans from across the country to join with éirígí next Saturday. As republicans we are far too used to the feeling of isolation and defeat. For the first time in many years a progressive campaign is within touching distance of inflicting a huge blow against the right wing agenda. Republicans need to play their part in making sure that that victory is achieved.”

CAHWT March on Fine Gael Ard Fheis will assemble at 1pm on Dublin’s Parnell Square before marching to the National Conference Centre on the North Quay. Bígí Linn.