Down but not out after two rounds

THE fight was effectively split into two rounds.

First came Leader’s Questions; a routine section of Dáil business on Tuesdays and Wednesdays where the main opposition leaders get the opportunity to grill the Taoiseach on the issues of the day. Unsurprisingly, both Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Labour leader Eamon Gilmore decided the issue of the day was Mr Ahern’s position.

Then came round two — Fine Gael’s motion of no confidence in the Taoiseach, the Government’s alternative motion of confidence, and the debate on same.