Ahern denies rift with PDs

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today dismissed reports of a political rift developing between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats.

Mr Ahern claimed that relationships between the two parties remained excellent even after Fianna Fáil’s dismal performance in the recent elections.

“The relationship between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats are good, they are partners in Government and we have excellent relations.”

He told reporters that relations remained “absolutely excellent” even after the severe losses his party suffered in last week’s local elections.

He also denied claims that Fianna Fáil backbenchers were sent out to attack the role of the PDs in the coalition and that they were responsible for the poor showing in the polls.

The Taoiseach dismissed the rumours adding that Government relations were not like those between RTÉ and TV3.