Ahern denies any rift with FF’s coalition partners

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday played down suggestions of any rift with the Progressive Democrats, insisting that Fianna Fáil’s relationship with its coalition partners was “excellent.”

“They are our partners in Government, we work very constructively and very successfully with them,” Mr Ahern said.

He also rejected out of hand the contention that Fianna Fáil had sent out its backbenchers to the plinth in Leinster House to attack the influence of the PDs, or to suggest that their role in Government was responsible for their party’s poor election results.

Earlier yesterday, Mr Ahern once again denied that he was interested in the position as President of the European Commission.

Pressed by Sinn Féin’s Caoimhghin O Caolain during leaders’ questions on whether he still would take the job as an “exit strategy”, Mr Ahern replied: “If I was really interested in this job I would have that job. When it comes to getting a million for working in Europe or staying at home to do the job that I like doing, I will stay at home.”

The Taoiseach’s defence of his coalition in the wake of last week’s elections came while speaking at the announcement of the new €750 million Dublin Institute of Technology campus on the site of the hospital in Grangegorman, in the north-west inner city.

The 73-acre campus will bring together a total of 17 different faculties and schools, which are currently dispersed around the city.

“The development of such a large institution will bring many positives to this area of Dublin,” he said.

“It will underpin economic activity in the surrounding area, enhance access opportunities, provide recreational and sporting facilities and create direct and indirect employment opportunities.”

Minister for Education Noel Dempsey anticipated the cost would be in the order of €750 million, of which €200 million would come from the Exchequer.