The relationship between Fianna Fail and coalition partners the Progressive Democrats is stronger than ever and the Government will last the full terms, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern said this afternoon the end of his parliamentary meeting in Co Cork.
He said the Government was going to continue "with sound, sensible fiscal policies and share the fruits of that with the less well off."
This appears to rule out the spending spree which the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, said yesterday would be a catalyst for the coalition collapsing. She said the Progressive Democrats would not accept a "tax and spend" approach or a pre-election "spending spree".
Responding to queries on the issue the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern said Ms Harney had been responding to a "stupid question" and added that relations between the Government parties were very strong.
He said the party had to accept the verdict handed out in the local elections. "The people are right, we may not like it but they are right," he said. "We accept the verdict of the people and now we have to get on and prove it."
He admitted Fianna Fáil had lost touch with the has now vowed to prioritise social policy and to become more active in local communities.
"We have to work hard at these things, we have to listen to people, we have to explain it and we will do that the length and breadth of the country, in every community and we are all very determined to do that."
The next phase of Government policy is "improve services and make sure we have value for money", he said.
"Having achieved what we wanted to do in the last two years it is now time to move ourselves onto the next phase and that phase is improving services and making sure we have value for money," he said.
Departing delegates were upbeat after what was described as positive meeting. "It's onwards and upwards," said one, as he walked towards the sea in the afternoon sun.