Harney defends Ahern amid FF poll claims

NERVY Fianna Fáil backbenchers were reminded yesterday of the strengths of their present leader from the unlikely source of the Tánaiste Mary Harney.

As the Taoiseach denied that internal Fianna Fáil party opinion polls showed his leadership was under threat, the Tánaiste backed up her Government colleagues by praising his track record.

The Tánaiste said she wasn’t aware of any Fianna Fáil research, saying it was a private matter for the party and that when and how parties choose their leader was a matter for them as well.

“But I would be surprised if any party, in the current circumstances would base the selection or support for their leader on the basis of an opinion poll.

“The Taoiseach has been an outstandingly successful leader of his party. Indeed he was the first Taoiseach in over 30 years to have been returned to office.

“I think from time to time you always have speculation about party leadership, but I would be very reluctant if I were a member of the media to speculate about those matters.”

The Taoiseach dismissed reports that private focus group research, conducted by Fianna Fáil last month, showed voter anger towards him and the party for not giving the full economic picture during last year’s general election.

“We actually haven’t had any focus groups for several months,” he said.

Yet the Taoiseach admitted that, from the Government’s point of view, it had been a difficult year.

“But I think we are working extremely well. This week we put out the Education Disabilities Bill, we have put a very good package now for disability.

“We have also a scheme for the elderly. I think we have a very good legislative programme for the Autumn. So, I must say, having had a difficult enough year economically because of the world situation, I think we are doing quite well.”

The Taoiseach said that the Government’s job was to keep working to try to ensure sustainable development in the country.

Speaking at the launch of the logo and calendar of events for the EU Presidency next year, Mr Ahern said Ireland’s six months at the helm in 2004 was extremely important for Europe and brought great responsibilities.

“For Europe, it’s the biggest enlargement its ever had since the whole concept started, moving from 15 to 25, the ongoing discussions on the European Convention into the intergovernmental conference, there are so many other issues going on in so many other councils.

“It’s a huge opportunity for us and there’s the ongoing enlargement, countries from south-eastern Europe, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania.

“So it’s an enormously busy period,” he said.

The Taoiseach said the EU-US summit, scheduled for the first half of 2004, probably would be held in the United States but, if it was going to hosted by Europe, it would most likely be in Ireland.