Simon Coveney stands firm on water charges

Housing Minister Simon Coveney says he will not change his position on water charges despite a fresh threat by Fianna Fáil to withhold support for a new Taoiseach, a move which would collapse the Government.

Bitter clashes over the weekend between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil saw the latter make the threat unless government facilitates legislation to implement Oireachtas committee recommendations on water charges.

Mr Coveney though, speaking to the Irish Examiner, dismissed the threat as a “distraction” but also claimed, under the confidence and supply deal between the parties, Fianna Fáil must accommodate a change in Taoiseach.