Kenny, Martin make contact ahead of scheduled talks

Acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin have spoken to one another today as the political impasse continues.

Mr Kenny and Mr Martin made contact ahead of scheduled talks between the two negotiating teams on Monday.

Talks broke down on Friday evening between the parties after they failed to reach agreement on a number of issues including Irish Water and water charges.

It is understood both parties have agreed to the establishment of a commission to examine the utility.

Fianna Fáil is continuing to press for the suspension of water charges for a number of years.

Fine Gael remains opposed to this and a senior party source insisted their position would not change.

The two parties are also at odds over the provision of school guidance counsellors, mortgage interest relief, funding for deprived areas and rural crime.

Undermining national interest

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said the Fianna Fáil position is illogical and undermining the national interest.

He said: “It is madness that the whole country is being held to ransom for the sake of such short-term party political rivalry.

“Once a generous allowance system is put in place it makes real sense to put in place a charge on the wasteful use of water.

“We do not want to go back to the old ways where there is no incentive to protect our environment and use our natural resources wisely.

“Treating water seriously is about looking after our own health and it is vital for the future success of our economy. Using it as a political football for perceived electoral advantage will cost us a lot more in the end.”

Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley said if the party is to support a Fine Gael-led minority government, “significant compromises” would have to be made on the issue of Irish Water.

Mr Martin and Mr Kenny spoke briefly at the Arbour Hill commemorations on Sunday morning and were expected to speak again later in the evening.

Afterwards, Mr Martin said the situation must be resolved soon. He added: “The positions are very clear so we would hope we can bring about a resolution early next week.”

Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton said there is an urgency to establish a government, and that a lot of effort is being expended with this aim on all sides.

Mr Bruton told This Week on RTÉ Radio 1 that compromise would have to be found between the two parties on Irish Water. The dispute would have to resolved “one way or the other”.