Mass rally over IMF-imposed water fees puts pressure on Irish leaders

Tens of thousands of people marched in towns across Ireland in a second day of mass protests against water charges, the biggest display of opposition to government austerity measures since the country's banking crisis and bailout in 2010.

In a further blow to Prime Minister Enda Kenny, an opinion poll on Saturday showed his centre-right Fine Gael party had slipped four percentage points behind left-wing Sinn Fein, the largest party opposing water charges.

Ireland emerged from its EU-International Monetary Fund bailout last year and the economy is rebounding, with the government forecasting economic growth of close to 5 per cent this year. But protesters said they were not seeing the benefits, and that austerity had hit the lower paid disproportionately hard.

"This isn't just about the water, it's about the last five years," said Paul, a 55-year-old sign writer who said he had had to give up his car, his life insurance and his health insurance.

"I was thinking about buying a new pair of shoes this year. It's come to that. Enough is enough," he said.

Banners called on people not to pay the new charges, which are likely to cost the average household between €200 (HK$1,942) and €400 per year. Up to now, water services have been financed by general taxation.