Sir, It is interesting to watch the reaction of commentators when a politician promotes a view based on an honest belief rather than on populist posturing. When Mary Harney spoke from the shoulder on water charges she was asked repeatedly if she had "made a gaffe". The possibility that she was announcing deliberate and pre thought policy was dismissed.
It took considerable courage for her to take the position she did. While it is patent nonsense to pretend that water can be delivered to homes "free" most politicians have run away from facing this reality. There is a high cost involved in providing this service and to pretend that it is free encourages enormous waste of one of nature's greatest gifts. Would any politician propose that fuel, food or clothing he delivered free: they are just as necessary as water. If this were to happen the demand for them would be insatiable - the cost infinite. The same applies to water.
To provide unlimited supplies of water without a charge related to usage is political malfeasance. For politicians to advocate such a policy is dishonest and cowardly they are pandering to the meanest instincts of a selfish minority, for electoral profit. The notion that such services be provided free to citizens is central to Marxist theory now discredited virtually everywhere.
Our system needs more politicians of Mary Harney's courage and honesty. There are a few in other parties. Alan Shatter in Fine Gael, Charlie McCreevey In Fianna Fail and Jim Kemmy in Labour have demonstrated their willingness to speak out regardless of selfish political consequences. It is worth noting how differently they are treated by their parties. Fine Gael sidelined their honest broker, Labour put theirs in the shackles of Chairmanship, Fianna Fail simply ignore theirs - the Progressive Democrats have made theirs their Leader. - Yours, etc..
Portobello.
Dublin 8.