Fine Gael has accused Sinn Féin of abandoning its commitment to protect consumers from rising energy costs, claiming that the party's policies could lead to increased costs for 2.1 million customers.

The criticism comes after Sinn Féin's alternative budget last month proposed retaining the temporary 9% VAT rate for gas and electricity. However, a Fine Gael minister has pointed out that this proposal is absent from Sinn Féin's latest manifesto, raising questions about the party's stance on energy affordability.

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Fine Gael Minister and General Election candidate for Longford-Westmeath, Peter Burke said: "Under Sinn Féin the VAT rate will increase from 9% to 13.5% at the end of April. Typically, this will cost domestic households €90 per annum on their electricity costs and over €60 per annum on their gas bills.

"In government, Fine Gael will standardise VAT on gas, electricity, restaurant and cafe food, hairdressing and beauty services. No consumer will pay extra for gas and electricity because we are introducing a Domestic Energy VAT rebate to compensate for any increases.

"Sinn Féin can't be trusted, especially when they tell you they will save you money."