The Taoiseach is withholding public support from Minister of State Mr Ned O'Keeffe in advance of next week's decision on whether to investigate an alleged breach by him of the Ethics in Public Office Act.
For the second consecutive day, Mr Ahern yesterday did not respond to a request in the Dail from the Labour Party leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, to say whether he had confidence in Mr O'Keeffe.
The Public Offices Commission is to announce late next week whether it will start an investigation on foot of a complaint from the Labour Party in December concerning the Minister of State.
Mr Ahern has stated recently that the position of Ministers of State is "under review". These comments and his refusal to express confidence in Mr O'Keeffe have been interpreted as indicating that Mr O'Keeffe may be removed from his post as Minister of State for Agriculture to another junior ministerial position or to the backbenches.
A spokesman for Mr Ahern would only say yesterday that he was allowing "due process" in relation to Mr O'Keeffe.
It is not known whether a decision to proceed with an investigation would ensure Mr O'Keeffe's removal, or whether Mr Ahern will await the outcome of a full investigation.