Ahern dismisses call for early election

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will attempt to rouse the Fianna Fail faithful in his keynote speech at the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis tonight.

Ahern is expected to tell the conference that Fianna Fail is the only party that can maintain economic prosperity and reform the public services.

The Taoiseach last night ruled out calls from the Fine Gael leader, Michael Noonan, to hold an early general election.

Mr Noonan is demanding the date of the election be announced at the end of the Ard Fheis tonight.