Sinn Féin TD Imelda Munster accused Mr Thomas Byrne of "playing deeply cynical politics" following a radio interview on LMFM.
She said: "Deputy Thomas Byrne is refusing to rule out the introduction of domestic water charges. It is a shocking statement to make as it is stated in the Fianna Fáil election Manifesto that they would abolish the charge as well as Irish Water. This manifesto was only printed six months ago.
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"Since the election Fianna Fáil rejected the opportunity to abolish water charges, when they refused to support a motion put forward by the Right2Water movement.
"Contrary to what's been said recently in the media by Fine Gael and the European Commission, Ireland’s hands are not tied regarding the introduction of water charges. It was confirmed by the Commission 18 months ago that Ireland could opt out of charging for water, as is permitted in the Water Framework Directive. The only thing that has changed since then is the very real possibility that water charges could be abolished."Fianna Fáil are going along with this suspension to buy themselves time. Should another election come along they will likely again include in their manifesto a promise to abolish water charges and Irish Water and then use the EU as an excuse to go back on their word, again."
(CD/MH)
