Bertie scotches rumours of a split with Celia

THE Taoiseach has scotched rumours that he has split with his partner Celia Larkin.

Admitting that the couple had changed their social habits since the general election, Mr Ahern said they were going on holiday together next month. The Taoiseach took the unprecedented move to clarify the status of the 13-year-old relationship, as the speculation was causing him concern.

"We are still together, but these rumours have been on my mind this week. Celia has gone away to France for a week. Then when she comes back, we are going to the Galway Races and then down to Kerry for two weeks for our holidays," he said. But he said reports of the couple's interest in buying a house in Kerry were not accurate. The changes in the couple's social patterns since the election had come about for a number of reasons, including security considerations.