The Right2Water campaign has called on the government to prove it is against the privatisation of the public water supply by calling a referendum.

The proposed vote would ask the public to decide on adding the following to the constitution: “The govt shall be collectively responsible for the protection, management and maintenance of the public water system. The govt shall ensure in the public interest that this resources remains in public ownership and management.”

Right2Water Organiser Brendan Ogle told Newstalk Lunchtime today that 'every politician' including the Environment Minister are against privatising Irish Water - and the public wants to ensure it's held by the public.

He says the 'only thing' he wants to see happen is the abolition of Irish Water - and a protection of the right to water in the Constitution by way of a referendum.

Mr Ogle says calling a vote would boost the Government's popularity.

“If Alan Kelly is not for privatisation the govt could make themselves popular overnight by doing this - the reality is of course they know they’re part of a privatisation agenda,” he added.