Taoiseach expected to meet de Valera at Ógra conference

The Taoiseach and Síle de Valera are expected to come face to face today in a row over her future as Minister of State.

The retiring Clare TD is said to be furious and upset at what she reportedly says are attempts by Bertie Ahern to "put a gun to her head".

Both Mr Ahern and Minister deValera are due to address delegates at today's Ógra Fianna Fáil conference, and despite pressure to stand down, the Clare TD has insisted that she will not be distracted from doing her job.

Yesterday, Finance Minister Brian Cowan refused to speculate on her future, saying the Taoiseach was merely outlining a "general principle".