The government could face the first major test of its strength in the new Dáil tonight, in a motion on water charges.

The opposition motion is likely to achieve wide support - and Fianna Fáil says it will abstain, rather than support the government.

Four small opposition parties, AND some independents, are all backing the motion to scrap Irish Water, abolishing domestic charges.

But Fianna Fáil is NOT backing it - leading to claims of hypocrisy from Sinn Féin’s Eoin Ó Broin.

But Fianna Fáil’s Barry Cowen hit back and said it was Sinn Féin reversing policy, after now deciding it WOULD refund previous bills:

The government’s calling for calm heads - and has a counter-motion looking for approval for an expert group to be set up.

But Fianna Fáil says it will abstain on that, meaning the government is left to its own devices against the rest of the opposition.

It will need each one of its independents to affirm their support, in the first contested vote of the new Dáil.