Irish Water a ‘red-line issue’ in talks between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil

The future of Irish Water and water charges has emerged as the primary obstacle to a “modified coalition” between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

Last night, three senior members of Fianna Fáil have confirmed that the party is working on a bill to scrap Irish Water and suspend water charges, describing it as a “red-line issue”.

However, three leading Fine Gael ministers and key government formation talks’ negotiators responded sharply and insisted their party will not scrap water charges, regardless of any pressure from Fianna Fáil.