Ahern ‘would prefer’ renewing FF-PD coalition

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday rejected any suggestion that by saying Fianna Fáil would be willing to consider Labour as a possible coalition option, he lacked confidence the current coalition would be returned to power.

He yesterday said he had made it very clear in a weekend interview that his strongly preferred option was for the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition to be returned.

His spokesperson last night said the point he made in the interview was that Labour leader Pat Rabbitte was the only one ruling out an arrangement as an option after the next election.