Ahern turns down Noonan's abortion debate challenge

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has turned down Michael Noonan’s challenge to him to appear in a head-to-head debate on the abortion referendum.

In his speech to the Fine Gael Ard Fheis last night, Mr Noonan challenged the Taoiseach to a televised debate surrounding the proposed referendum which has caused massive controversy in recent weeks.