Smith in last-ditch bid to hang on to Cabinet seat

MICHAEL SMITH made a remarkable last-ditch effort to save his Cabinet career last night by publicly reassuring Taoiseach Bertie Ahern of his loyalty.

Denying he had ever threatened to cause difficulties for Mr Ahern if he was demoted, the Minister for Defence said he would serve Mr Ahern loyally in whatever capacity.

In an astonishing interview on RTÉ’s Prime Time, the minister attempted to set the record straight and was animated about the media coverage of his supposed campaign to retain his seat.