A Sinn Fein assembly member has warned against the introduction of water charges in Northern Ireland under direct rule.

Francie Molloy urged the new Northern Ireland Minister, Ian Pearson, who assumed responsibility for the Department of Finance as part of his brief following the suspension of the power-sharing assembly last week, to reconsider the charges.

Mr Pearson said a wide consultation would be held before any charges were introduced.

Ian Pearson: NIO minister with responsibility for finance

However, Mr Molloy who represents Mid Ulster, said he was concerned the minister would take a decision which local assembly ministers were reluctant to take.

"My concern would be that Mr Pearson would actually get the executive off the hook and get the (former) finance minister, Sean Farren, in particular off the hook in this one," he said.

"I am also concerned that decisions will be taken now in order to save some decisions that some ministers did not want to take."

Earlier this year, Mr Farren said rates could be increased and water charges introduced in the province to pay for better public services.

Prior to suspension, a review of the rates system was under way which was due to be completed by the end of this month.