Water charges row comes to boiling point;FF threaten to block election of new FG Taoiseach

Latest: The row between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael over water charges is escalating, with Fianna Fáil's Barry Cowen threatening NOT to facilitate the election of a new Fine Gael Taoiseach.

Update 6.50pm: The row between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael over water charges is escalating, with Fianna Fáil's Barry Cowen threatening not to facilitate the election of a new Fine Gael Taoiseach.

Mr Cowen is insisting that the government bring in legislation in line with an Oireachtas committee report which recommended scrapping the charges and allowing refunds.