Ahern confident FF problems can be fixed

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern says Fianna Fáil must resolve the difficulties that led to two TDs resigning the party whip.

Jimmy Devins and Eamon Scanlon made the move earlier this week in protest at the Government's decision to transfer breast cancer services from Sligo General to University College Hospital in Galway.

Their decision to resign the Fianna Fáil whip means the Government no longer has a guaranteed Dáil majority.

It also raises questions about whether the Government will be able to force through difficult decisions on spending cutbacks in this December's Budget.

Mr Ahern, however, says he is confident the problem can be sorted out by party officials.