Cowen fails to rule out flat rate water charges

BRIAN COWEN refused to rule out the introduction of flat rate water charges yesterday, insisting it was far too soon to decide what would be in December’s budget.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny claimed the Government was trying to test public opinion on the contentious levy without coming clean on its plans.

Mr Kenny said such a charge would fly in the face of the stance taken by Green leader and Environment Minister John Gormley who has insisted a metering system would need to be brought in first.