The head of the new commission on water charges is facing calls to step down.

Joe O’Toole (pictured) is under mounting pressure after saying the body needs to find enough sugar to make the medicine go down – when it comes to implementing charges.

Triple A TD Paul Murphy has said he does not see how Mr O’Toole can be impartial, when he is clearly in favour of paying for water.

He has taken part in a number of interviews since he was appointed and Deputy Murphy has said the comments are inappropriate.

“In each of those interviews he had come out strongly in favour of water charges, he has described those who oppose water charges as completely wrong on the issue.

“Most significantly was where he talked about what he described as a political exercise.”