Is The Northern Ireland Assembly On Suicide Watch Over Water Rates?

In our changing political environment, many voters took into account before casting their vote, the views of the potential candidates on issues such as water charging. Many candidates opposed the introduction of such charges and as such were elected, not only to 'Represent' the views of those who elected them, but also to ensure that in electing a significant majority to the chamber in opposition to these charges, that their proposed introduction would be defeated.

It is therefore viewed as a denial of democracy, that despite having elected a majority to the Northern Ireland Assembly, who are opposed to Water Charges, that we remain under threat. The communities in Northern Ireland are fast coming to the conclusion that Northern Ireland politics doesn't work and many believe the Northern Ireland Assembly to be an expensive talking shop.

If this Assembly and the Northern Ireland Executive cannot deliver on one of the most important issues to the electorate, then devolved government will have failed. For in a sample poll, we found that voters couldn't name a single piece of legislation or policy introduced by the Northern Ireland Assembly since its creation and on the few issues of importance to them, their appeared no movement.

Northern Ireland was promised a peace dividend and vast investment from our government and politicians and to date neither has taken place. Is there a need for Water Rates? Finance Minister Sammy Wilson believes not, he states 'Water charges could be avoided'.

The whole issue of Water Rates appears to have put all parties under threat, for in the approach to both a general and assembly elections, the DUP cannot afford to alienate any more voters and Conor Murphy will not wish to be responsible as Minister for their introduction.