Labour critical of Fine Gael on water charges

Phil Hogan’s handling of Irish Water has been strongly criticised by a Labour minister who attacked the former Fine Gael minister for “threatening people” over the charges.

Equality Minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said the situation had improved considerably since Labour took over the Environment Department from its coalition partner last summer.

Mr Ó Ríordáin listed a raft of mistakes he said were made by Mr Hogan regarding Irish Water before Taoiseach Enda Kenny made him a European commissioner.