Fianna Fáil: Irish Water not the only roadblock to a deal in talks

Fianna Fáil’s negotiating team last night insisted the latest talks stand-off is not just about Irish Water, and that “considerable roadblocks” also exist in housing, education, and rural affairs policies.

While there are some differences, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s election manifestos are broadly in line with each other on key policy areas, leading to suggestions they have been flagged simply to give the impression water is not the only obstacle to a deal.

On housing, Fine Gael is in favour of building 110,000 social houses by 2021, rent reforms, new tenant purchase schemes, standard variable mortgage rate reforms, and tax relief for landlords to help lower costs.