Taoiseach denies rift with O'Keeffe

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has insisted he has no dispute with former Minister of State, Ned O'Keeffe.

Announcing his resignation yesterday, Mr O'Keeffe accused the Taoiseach of reneging on a deal to give him a new role after Christmas.

But speaking in Dublin this afternoon, Mr Ahern was adamant there was no row.

"I have no disagreement with Ned O'Keeffe whatsoever. I know he was disappointed with the way it seemed he was pushed out.

"But, in fact, he told me at four o'clock on Friday afternoon that he was going to resign," said the Taoiseach.