Fine Gael says it will not support a proposed 20 per cent increase in electricity charges. The party's enterprise spokesman, Mr Jim Higgins, said an increase could not be justified because the ESB was in considerable profit.
Mr Higgins said he would be tabling a motion to be brought before the Dail in October. He added: "The projected increase will be borne on the backs of the consumer and will also have an adverse knock-on effect on inflation and production costs."