Ahern laughs off 'stupid' talk of PD rift

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern insisted yesterday that relations with the Progressive Democrats were excellent despite Tánaiste Mary Harney's threat to pull the plug on the Coalition if Fianna Fáil went on a spending spree.

Mr Ahern said relations within the coalition were better than any time in the previous seven years and insisted the partnership would run its course.

"She (Mary Harney) was asked a stupid question and gave a stupid answer," the Taoiseach said in West Cork yesterday.