Coalition will not cave in and abolish levies

Environment Minister Alan Kelly has ruled out caving into widespread demands to completely abolish water charges and said the charging regime is here to stay.

His comments came as his Coalition colleague, Health Minister Leo Varadkar, faced criticism for saying he was bothered by people protesting over having to pay €3 a week.

The controversial comments led to accusations that the Fine Gael minister was arrogant and out of touch with people. Mr Kelly said yesterday that the Coalition would not be further reducing water charges or scrapping the controversial levy.