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Nelson Muntz

They were talking about Nelson from The Simpsons in the Dáil today

Yep, really…

ENVIRONMENT MINISTER ALAN Kelly was compared to the character of Nelson Muntz from The Simpsons as the Dáil once again debated water charges today.

Both Sinn Féin’s Gerry Adams and the Socialist TD Paul Murphy raised the water issue at Leaders Questions amid indications that those who do not pay will have water charges taken from their income.

Murphy accused the government of threatening and intimidating those who refuse to comply with the controversial charges.

“Minister Kelly is swaggering around the place like Nelson from The Simpsons, threatening to rob people’s lunch money,” he told TDs.
https://vine.co/v/O3OYPHMQB6e

Today FM’s political correspondent (formerly of this parish) was quick to point that the outspoken Murphy wasn’t quite accurate with his pop culture reference:

amsmiles / YouTube

It wasn’t the only criticism Kelly faced today, Adams described him as “the minister for making it up as he goes along”.

Mounting a typically strong defence the charges, Taoiseach Enda Kenny insisted:

It’s about time that people face up to the reality that water has to be paid for.

enda murphy gif Oireachtas TV Oireachtas TV

He insisted that the charges are “a modest contribution to make” for quality water.

Earlier, facing calls for a general election from Adams, Kenny said he would not be calling one until “it’s appropriate to do so”.

That’s a slight departure from his previously stated position that the general election will not place until spring 2016.

State of the Nation: The government will have to take one more hit on water charges – but will it be fatal?

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112 Comments
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    Mute Diarmuid
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    May 7th 2017, 7:13 PM

    The man has the intellect and complexion of a can of Fanta.

    101
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    Mute Honeybadger197
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    May 7th 2017, 7:23 PM

    @Diarmuid: Thats desperately unfair to fanta .

    69
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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    May 7th 2017, 11:09 PM

    @Diarmuid: you would have a better chance of getting run over by a submarine whilst crossing the road than this guy sorting the mess out.

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    Mute Celtic Spirit
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    May 7th 2017, 11:23 PM

    @Diarmuid: In fairness that has given me a great laugh. Nicely put Diarmuid.

    6
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    Mute Paul Mc
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    May 7th 2017, 7:48 PM

    Why make Iran out to be the bogey man?Most of the problems in the area are caused by American plans to destabilise the middle east for the good of Israel.

    73
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    Mute John003
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    May 7th 2017, 8:17 PM

    @Paul Mc: Isreal would have much preferred Assad in Syria than Sunni Jahadi groups there now….Iran proxy army is much more powerful now because of Syria..Hezbollah….If was at behest of Sunni Saudi Arabia and Qatar that Obama armed the moderate Jahadis in Syria not Isreal…

    9
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    Mute Mick Micky
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    May 8th 2017, 12:24 PM

    @John003: thank you. A bit of balance around here is welcome.

    The Jews are not behind every world conflict as some like to make out.

    1
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    Mute Todd Hebert
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    May 7th 2017, 7:05 PM

    Save it? Not a chance. Accelerate its demise, most certainly.

    42
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    Mute Sorcha Hendry
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    May 7th 2017, 7:19 PM

    Its very doubhtful considering he is more likely to cause a war.

    34
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    Mute Emeralds
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    May 7th 2017, 7:22 PM

    *2 hours later*

    *The remains of Jerusalem smoulder as the nuclear ash falls”

    NOBODY KNEW PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST WAS HARD. NOBODY.

    30
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    Mute Johnny Merren
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    May 7th 2017, 7:10 PM

    Think maybe he will want to build a hotel and golf course there instead.

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    Mute Derek Corcoran
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    May 7th 2017, 7:07 PM

    Ehhh NO

    17
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    Mute Eddie Byrne
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    May 7th 2017, 7:53 PM

    That’s akin to asking can Bell Enda solve Irelands problems.

    16
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    Mute Jack Cassady
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    May 7th 2017, 8:45 PM

    Well many US presidents have failed before him so no disgrace if his name is also added to the list.
    But there again, Donald thinks outside the box so who knows.
    Bloody amazing if he did.

    14
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    Mute John003
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    May 7th 2017, 7:18 PM

    Can’t see the Palestinians supporting an alliance against Iran….HAMAS which would win a Palestinian election if there ever is one …..Have big Iranian support….Also Hezbollah is fighting on behalf of Palestinians with Iranian support…..Isreal would not want to get involved in Sunni /Shia religious wars….They have enough problems of their own….

    11
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    Mute Watchful Axe
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    May 7th 2017, 8:08 PM

    I’d love to see the odds from PaddyPower, accumulator; Trump secures peace in Middle East & Mayo wins All-Ireland. Worth a quid maybe.

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    Mute Dave Thomas
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    May 7th 2017, 7:12 PM

    Just like Tony blair…

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    May 7th 2017, 11:11 PM

    @Dave Thomas: Tony Blair the great Middle East Peace Envoy you mean?

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    Mute Ken Burke
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    May 7th 2017, 7:55 PM

    Not if he’s involved.

    9
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    Mute George Roche
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    May 7th 2017, 8:02 PM

    Sure Tony Blair has it all sorted out already.

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    Mute Gerry Fallon
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    May 7th 2017, 8:53 PM

    What a likeable guy!
    According to himself.
    You’re asking can this fool sort out the middle east crisis?are you serious?

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    Mute DaisyChainsaw
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    May 7th 2017, 9:24 PM

    Can he fack!

    4
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    Mute Ian McGrath
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    May 8th 2017, 2:46 AM

    I’m sorry , but that is just the wrong question to be asking. Seriously ? He can’t even help himself.

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    Mute Alois Irlmaier
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    May 8th 2017, 12:40 AM

    Nope…

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    Mute Garrett Colreavy
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    May 7th 2017, 10:25 PM

    Hell no

    5
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