Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources Martin Ferris has accused the Government of appearing "anxious to enforce the wishes of Shell" in relation to the Corrib gas development.

The intervention of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and his comedy sidekick Seamus Brennan into the "will they, won’t they" airport strike would be hilarious, if it weren’t so potentially damaging, Fine Gael Transport spokesman Denis Naughten said today.

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said that it will be a tough local election campaign next year, and Fianna Fáil candidates are already out on doorsteps.