Tens of thousands of people took to Dublin to attend the Right2Water rally on Saturday.

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD said the level of anger has not gone away and it will remain a huge issue for the budget and the next General Election.

Deputy McDonald said: "The government needs to listen to the people and not deflect from the massive issues in our society. If they were to actually tackle growing inequality, the housing crisis, the lack of truly free education and a creaking healthcare system – they would not have to conjure up an armed organisation which no longer exists.

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"Right2Water has galvanised thousands of citizens across the state in peaceful protests against the water charges and we are only getting stronger. We will be demanding a right to housing, a right to free education and a right to decent healthcare. There are planned meetings in constituencies across the state over the next two months as we come up to the budget."

(CD)