Fine Gael willing to make a deal with Fianna Fáil over water charges

Fine Gael is willing to compromise on Irish Water and water charges to secure an agreement for government with Fianna Fáil.

The party, which has so far described Irish Water as a red-line issue, is believed to be willing to give way to Fianna Fáil on key aspects of how water charges are levied to see a Fine Gael minority government formed. Talks between the parties will extend to a third day today after exploring how a minority government would work yesterday.

“Negotiation teams of both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil had a further two meetings today and have agreed to meet again tomorrow,” identical statements from both parties said.