The Anti-Austerity Alliance has said the Government is rowing in behind ‘EU to trample on the democratic will of the Irish people’ in relation to water charges.

Yesterday the European Commission said Ireland can’t legally abolish its system of water charges under a EU directive.

The Triple A TD Paul Murphy said the EU is a key driver of water privatisation.

He is also not impressed with how Enda Kenny’s administration is handling the matter at present: “The Government’s reaction is quite disgraceful because instead of protesting against an interference in democracy in this country they are basically using the convention to bolster their own position on water charges.

“I mean it is no surprise that European Commission are for water charges they have driven a process of water privatisation in many countries it is no surprise that the Government is in favour of it.”