Ahern and McDowell clear the air
Mr Ahern and Mr McDowell met for what was described as a lengthy discussion yesterday morning.
It was their first meeting since the Tánaiste expressed concern last Friday about the Taoiseach’s account of the situation regarding his house in Griffith Avenue, Dublin.
The discussion followed a telephone conversation on Monday.
Speaking after returning with the Taoiseach from yesterday’s events in Stormont, Mr McDowell said: “We had a very friendly and cordial meeting today.”
He said he spoke to Mr Ahern at some length but would not go into the detail of what was discussed.
“The Taoiseach has indicated in public that he intends making a statement on the matter and I want to give him the time and space to do all those things,” he said.
His comments came on the back of similar moves towards rapprochement made by fellow PDs Health Minister Mary Harney and party deputy leader Liz O’Donnell yesterday.
It gave some indication that the tensions between the parties have reduced considerably and that the concern expressed by the PDs has been assuaged by the Taoiseach’s confirmation that he will make a full statement.
Ms Harney yesterday said she had confidence in Mr Ahern, while Ms O’Donnell said she would go into coalition with FF again, as long as Mr Ahern’s explanation was acceptable.
Mr McDowell yesterday said that he would have no problem.
“We’ve worked well together for 10 years, I’ve made that clear at every hand’s turn.”
He continued: “I believe it would be very, very foolish for somebody in my position to say such a partnership should be taken away from the Irish people as an electoral choice unless there was some extraordinary reason why.”
Mr Ahern again repeated yesterday that there was no issue with his finances.
The opposition parties portrayed the situation as a demonstration of a failing government. Enda Kenny again repeated that accusations that he was involved in a smear campaign against the Taoiseach were “without foundation”.
Eamon Gilmore of Labour said it was patently clear that the only stable government was that offered by Fine Gael and Labour.
