Environment Minister's life 'threatened by dissident republicans'

By Sean Ryan

Environment Minister Alan Kelly has revealed that he has had threats to his life from dissident republicans.

Speaking about the Irish Water controversy on RTE on Saturday Night with Miriam, Minister Kelly (39) said: "It's not very nice when your local superintendent has to find you a couple of weeks ago to tell you that there is a threat to your life from dissident Republicans."

The Tipperary North TD added: "I expect to be challenged on RTE, In Leinster House and on the street by people, but this is different. There are a small group of people who just want anarchy which has nothing to do with Irish Water."

Minister Kelly also revealed that threats had been made against his office staff and members of his family saying it had been "a difficult time for his parents".

While he accepted there had been mistakes made in the setting up of Irish Water, he added that it had been "the right thing to do to ensure water supply into the future".

He also revealed that after a board meeting this week Irish Water will reveal how many people have paid their bills.

"The figures when revealed might surprise some people," he said.