Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald was today unable to explain how her party would fund Irish Water if it abolished domestic charges.

Ms McDonald, along with Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, has consistently claimed that the controversial charges will be scrapped if her party enters power.

Government figures have ridiculed the Sinn Fein policy as populist and insist the party’s figures do not stack up.

Asked about the party’s stance this morning, Ms McDonald was unable to clearly explain how Sinn Fein would fund the provision of water while scrapping domestic charges.

Ms McDonald appeared to become flustered on the matter by ‘Morning Ireland’ presenter Gavin Jennings.

“We would be looking at all forms of formula that would achieve that,” the Dublin Central TD said without providing further details.

Separately, there was further confusion today after a Labour Party politician also became unstuck over the roll-out of water charges.

Speaking on the same programme. Senator Lorraine Higgins suggested that there would be penalties for people who fail to register today.

But in a statement, Irish Water said there are no penalties for not registering with the company by midnight.

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