Why I voted against the Fingal Council Budget

I voted against the Fingal Council budget today in protest at the introduction of the flat rate, regressive and unjust household tax. I am totally opposed to flat rate, regressive taxation measures which increase income inequality and prolong our economic difficulties. It is absurd and grossly unjust that people on high incomes, including millionaires, are not been asked to contribute one cent more under this tax than people who are struggling to make ends meet.

While people are expected to pay more for Council services next year due to the introduction of this tax, they will receive no improvement in services. Instead the budget for basic services continues to decrease. There is insufficient Council expenditure been put into basic maintenance including necessary footpath repairs, ramp repairs, grass cutting and drain and gully cleaning.

I think it is important that individual councillors and public representatives respect the mandate that they have received from their local communities and vote with their conscience in the best interests of the people they represent. The days of public representatives voting like sheep, due to authoritarian whip systems unique to Ireland, must end.