Any future decision on water will be a political one and nothing to do with good sound public policy, writes Political Editor Daniel McConnell

The water charges issue has, since it emerged on the political agenda in earnest in late 2013 and early 2014, wreaked havoc on all who have sought to grapple with it, writes Daniel McConnell

Sinn Féin has accused Europe of “playing politics” with water charges while Fianna Fáil has disregarded comments by the European Commission stating that the charges cannot be reversed.

A new Housing Authority is needed to tackle the escalating homelessness crisis in Ireland before the issue intensifies this winter, the opposition claims.

People refusing to pay their water bills are set to escape any legal punishment after Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil said they will not introduce new laws to prosecute people for debts under €500.

The acting Justice Minister has said it is "unlikely" there will be a vote to elect a new Taoiseach this week.

The likelihood of a second general election this year has risen significantly as leading figures in Fianna Fáil intensified their opposition to the proposed “grand coalition” with Fine Gael.

Ministers have been accused of standing over a bonus culture at Irish Water after welcoming pay boosts for workers at the utility.