Higgins: Irish Water 'trickery' won't stop protests; People won't be fooled

Socialist TD Joe Higgins says protests against water charges will intensify, even after the Government introduces its new system this week.

Deputy Higgins was speaking after Tánaiste Joan Burton was trapped in her car for more than two hours by demonstrators in West Dublin over the weekend.

He says the the protest was legitimate and peaceful.

Meanwhile, the Government is set to unveil its changes to Irish Water on Wednesday, with the cost per household set to come in below €200.

However, Mr Higgins says that will not stop the protests.

He said: "The Government should not take our people for fools and think that this kind of political trickery is going to take people in.

"Clearly, under the ferocious pressure of the mass opposition to this new austerity tax, the Government is reeling.

"It is n a state of panic and is attempting to get itself off the hook."