Ahern denies FF-PD rift over stamp duty

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday categorically rejected reports of a rift between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats over proposals to scrap stamp duty on houses.

He also declined to give an opinion on a suggestion by PD leader and Tánaiste Michael McDowell that stamp duties on house prices should be reduced.

The Taoiseach said the stamp duties idea was floated at a PD party meeting and, like all parties, the PDs were looking at issues into the future.