TD says her children ‘abused’ over her water comments

A TD claims her children have been subjected to “vile” online abuse after she criticised people who refused to pay water charges but spent money on “beer and smokes” instead.

Dublin Fine Gael TD Catherine Byrne says she has reported the cyberbullying to “the proper authorities” as she stood over her controversial comments.

The remarks came as TDs continued to debate new legislation which would impose penalties on non-payers.