Last year the Taoiseach showed how the political wind was blowing when he described the Spencer Dock development, to be located in his constituency, as "a monstrosity".
Planning permission for a major part of the development was subsequently refused.
Mr Ahern made his thoughts on another constituency-related matter known last night when he reacted with "surprise" and "disappointment" to the announcement that the board of the Abbey Theatre want to move the National Theatre to the south side of the Liffey. Mr Ahern described the board's announcement as a U-turn and a serious mistake.
He was accused of being "small-minded" by the Fine Gael spokeswoman on the Arts, Ms Deirdre Clune. She said the Abbey board was responsible for the future direction and development of the National Theatre and this should not be opposed just because it would "take the theatre out of the Taoiseach's constituency".
The board would need Government approval for funding of u£100 million to relocate to the Grand Canal Docks site, considerably more than what it would cost to rebuild on its existing site.
The decision rests with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms de Valera. According to her spokesman, she has personal reservations about moving it.
The Abbey's artistic director, Mr Ben Barnes, said the board's unanimous preferred option was a purpose-built complex on a waterfront site of the former gasworks, owned by Dublin Docklands Development Authority. Mr Ahern said in a statement the board had lobbied him for support in securing funds to build a new theatre on the existing site.