The plight of the Catholic Church in Ireland, beset by scandal, dwindling numbers, and rapid change in the surrounding culture, is an ironic juxtaposition — in terms of timing and context — with the Labour Party.

Anti-water charge TDs intend to utilise the mass support against Irish Water to campaign for fair pay, better housing, and an end to the homelessness crisis.

An alliance of opposition TDs seeking to abolish water charges intend to force parties and other deputies to stand up to their election promises on Irish Water in a planned Dáil motion.

A law expert claimed Ireland could be hit with “daily” EU penalty fines of at least €5,000 if it chooses to scrap water charges, despite EU sources suggesting deferring the fee system could be allowed and Fianna Fáil insisting there is nothing illegal about cancelling the payments.

Elected members associated with the Right2Water campaign group will be urged to put down a motion calling for the abolition of Irish Water within 100 days of the new Dáil.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has dismissed suggestions he was not “savvy” on financial matters or his party’s manifesto during the general election campaign.