Minister Ahern rules out same-day referendum and election

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern has ruled out a general election on the same day as a referendum on the St Andrews Agreement.

With An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern due to call an election next year, Minister Ahern said it was inconceivable the Government would seek a new mandate on the same day as a referendum on the latest peace process deal in the North.