Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil hint at water deal to avoid election

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have edged closer to agreeing a government formation deal in a bid to avoid a snap election, with both sides now set to compromise on the issue of water charges.

Fine Gael last night made a fresh concession to Fianna Fáil over water charges in talks. The revised offer would involve the retention of the utility, while offering a suspension of water charges for at least two years. That suspension would allow an independent commission complete its work as to how a new water charges system would work.

Its work would be referred to an Oireachtas committee before going to the Dáil for a vote. The move would also see water metering continue, to provide a basis for a future allowance system to be calculated.