Water charges: Wearisome row must be settled

Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael appear to be playing a dangerous game of political brinkmanship over water charges.

Neither party is either financially or politically ready for another general election but that could be the result unless a sensible compromise is reached.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney has said he will not introduce water legislation that Attorney General Máire Whelan says contravenes EU directives and exposes the country to large fines if those directives are breached.