Roche defends Taoiseach after negative poll

The Minister for European Affairs has defended the Taoiseach following indications that grassroots support for Bertie Ahern may be on the decline.

A poll in this morning's Sunday Tribune showed that revelations about the Taoiseach's finances at the Mahon tribunal may be undermining his leadership.

A third of the Fianna Fáil councillors do not want Mr Ahern to lead them into next year's local elections, according to the poll.

Earlier today, the Taoiseach declined to comment on the findings.

Minister Dick Roche said that everyone should wait until the Mahon Tribunal has concluded its investigations before passing judgement.

The Minister was speaking after this morning's 1916 Easter Rising Commemoration at the GPO in Dublin.