Ahern slams FF councillor who sought McDowell resignation

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has criticised Fianna Fáil Councillor Noreen Ryan for calling on Justice Minister Michael McDowell to resign.

The Limerick County Councillor said yesterday that Mr McDowell should step down because of his claim that named Sinn Féin leaders are members of the IRA army council.

Ms Ryan said the minister made the accusation without producing any evidence.

However, speaking in the Dail this morning, Mr Ahern said Ms Ryan's comments were wrong.

"Obviously, this is a person who doesn't what they're talking about," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Ahern also insisted that the Government was united in its approach to the peace process and the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

He was responding to questions from Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, who suggested there may have been a spilt in government ranks over attitudes to Sinn Féin.