Too many people use the water issue as a political football for cheap populist gain yet offer no viable or workable alternative, according to Fine Gael.

Louth TD said other issues such as housing and homelessness deserve just as much attention.

He said: "There is no doubt that water is a very emotive issue but many people are tired of the constant speculation and want to focus on health, education, housing and the economy.

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"People I speak to want to know our plans for the health service, how we will tackle the waiting times in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda and improve the services available in the Louth Hospital in Dundalk.

"People want to know how we are going to reduce class sizes in secondary and primary schools, improve access to 3rd level education like the DkIT and continue the very active capital investment programme in our schools.

"In relation to housing, they want to know how we can provide extra housing and they want to know how we are going to attract young men and women home.

"It is essential that we form a stable government and it appears that the only option is a minority Fine Gael led government. In order for this to happen compromises on Irish Water will have to be made."

(CD)