Irish Water stalemate is a threat to government formation

The ongoing Irish Water stalemate is threatening to bring down the entire government formation talks, after the issue collapsed negotiations for the second time in days.

Acting taoiseach Enda Kenny and Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin were last night forced to intervene yet again after both sides’ negotiators admitted they are failing to find any compromise 56 days on from the election.

Despite claims on Thursday by Fine Gael acting agriculture minister Simon Coveney an agreement could be reached by today, both negotiating teams said last night no deal will happen before Monday, if at all.