TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern was at the centre of a political storm yesterday as his and the Government’s credibility came under sustained attack over a stream of political controversies.

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell came under increasing pressure last night to fully explain his role in the controversial 128 million Church indemnity deal.

Talks between Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats (PDs) on the formation of the country's next coalition Government continued today.

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is holding round-table consulations with senior Fianna Fail ministers ahead of opening negotiations for Government with the Progressive Democrats.

Progressive Democrat president Michael McDowell says his party was not consulted over the appointment of Joe Burke as chairman of Dublin Port.

The Taoiseach has rubbished claims that building the so-called Bertie Bowl can only be done at the expense of schools and hospitals.

The Vatican has confirmed it is to issue a statement on the setting up of the inquiry into the handling of sexual abuses cases in the Diocese of Ferns.

Victims of clerical abuse in the diocese of Ferns will call for an independent state inquiry into the matter later today.

The Government acted today to replace legislation governing the employment of workers from outside the European Economic Area that dates back more than 65 years.

The Labour Party has slammed the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, for not sacking Paddy Teahon over the controversy surrounding the aquatic centre under construction in west Dublin.

The Progressive Democrats are set to launch their agenda for the forthcoming general election at their annual conference in Limerick today.

Justice Minister John O’Donoghue has accused Fine Gael of cheap electioneering by calling for the resignation of Attorney General Michael McDowell.

The Progressive Democrats are gathering in Limerick today for their pre-election conference.

Junior Minister Bobby Molloy, the man who oversaw the deregulation of the taxi industry, has announced plans to seek re-election in the upcoming general election.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern tonight said detailed Government consideration would have to be given to a High Court judgment that could outlaw parliamentary investigations of complaints against the Gardai and other issues.

The Government is to consider appointing lay people to assist Justice Fergus Flood in his inquiries into planning irregularities.

The row within the cabinet over Europe has intensified following an outburst by Attorney General Michael McDowell.