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.