Ahern again rules out early poll

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is again ruling out the possibility of going to the country early in a general election.

Speaking to reporters in Dublin this afternoon Mr Ahern agreed the burst of sunshine was good election weather but said he hoped it "would be the same this time next year".

Mr Ahern was questioned following a fresh round of speculation at the weekend that the country could be going to the polls this year.

Remarks by the Taoiseach’s brother and Lord Mayor of Dublin, Maurice Ahern, that the Government may not run its full term has helped fuel the speculation.