Re-elected TD Willie O'Dea has said water charges are a red-line issue for Fianna Fáil as the party considers its electoral successes, and the possibility of government with Fine Gael.

"If Fianna Fáil were in government next week, there would be no water charges," he said during a panel discussion on RTE.

Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Ruth Coppinger pointed out Fianna Fáil election posters had said the party would abolish Irish Water, and she pressed Mr O'Dea on whether this also meant the permanent abolition of water charges.

He said the party would suspend water charges for five years.

Ms Coppinger accused the party of 'deception' and of implying during the campaign that they would abolish water charges if elected to government, when in fact they would just temporarily suspend them.

Mr O'Dea countered: "Look, if Fianna Fáil were in government next week, there would be no water charges."

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Water charges still being discussed. If they're abolished I'm looking for a full refund on what I've already paid! #GE16 @rtenews

— Alser (@Alser82) February 28, 2016