Water referendum: all-party support crucial

Union says water referendum wording must be capable of maintaining broad political support

Fórsa today (Wednesday) welcomed the Cabinet’s decision to consult the Attorney General (AG) on a referendum to guarantee that water services stay in public ownership.

The union, which represents water staff in local authorities and Irish Water, called on both the Government and the AG to ensure that the wording of a proposed constitutional amendment reflects and sustains existing all-party support for keeping water in public control.

The union called on both the Government and the AG to ensure that the wording of a proposed constitutional amendment reflects and sustains existing all-party support for keeping water in public control.

Fórsa official Peter Nolan (pictured) said: “The cabinet decision comes on foot of a sustained campaign for a referendum by Fórsa, ICTU and other unions. It should be possible to develop a wording that reflects public opinion and ensures that all the major political parties support the amendment when it is put in a referendum, which should take place on the same day as next May’s local and European elections.”