Ahern: Economic pessimists 'know nothing about nothing'

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has hit out again at people expressing concern about the performance of the Irish economy.

Mr Ahern was speaking last night at Fianna Fáil's pre-Dáil strategy meeting in Co Wicklow.

He said Ireland's economy remains strong and people who exaggerate the recent slowdown know "nothing about nothing".

Meanwhile, the Fianna Fáil think-in continues at Druid's Glen today, with today's discussions focusing on the theme "Caring about Communities".

Issues on the agenda include ways to address Ireland's dwindling sense of community and to promote more voluntary activity.