Richard Boyd Barrett TD, one of the speakers at Saturday's protest against the property tax.

Property tax protest in Navan on Saturday

A protest demonstration against the property tax which takes place in Navan on Saturday will be addressed by Richard Boyd Barrett Td and Clare Daly TD

The march will leave the Fair Green at 2pm and proceed to the town hall where the two TDs and others will address it.

One of the march organisers Gerry Shalvey said: “There are many people in Navan and the surrounding areas who will not be paying this tax – simply because they cannot afford to. We need to come out on the streets and show our opposition. Giving out on the Joe Duffy show will not stop this government – only people power will bring real change.”

The two Dublin based TDs are amongst the most prominent figures in the campaign against the property tax. Both have spoken at scores of meetings around the country and they are now coming to Navan to encourage opposition.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett said: “This government is acting like a bullyboy and they have introduced draconian legislation to gather this tax. But they are also nervous about public reaction. The Labour leader, Eamonn Gilmore has already signalled a small retreat on the date for introducing water charges. After the Meath East by-election, he knew his party as facing annihilation if they were introduced them before the local elections next year. We should now pile on the pressure to get this odious property tax stopped.”

Deputy Clare Daly said the new home tax marks a “new low in the onslaught by this Government on the living standards of ordinary people”. She said it will be a “game changer” in the sense that it will drive many families over the edge and she said it must be resisted.

The Government had choices, a one and a half percent increase in Corporation tax could have yielded the same amount of money as they plan to bring in from this home tax. It is economic lunacy and must be resisted. I would encourage everybody to come along to the rally on the 20th of April and let your voice be heard. The only way the Government will get away with this is if we sit back and allow them to,” said Deputy Daly.