The Tánaiste, Ms Mary Harney, has insisted there is no strain in the Government over the decision not to fund a national stadium at Abbottstown with public money.
All governments disagree on certain issues at times, she said, adding she hoped the stadium would still go ahead.
"In the current economic climate, we have other spending priorities," she said.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, also dismissed suggestions of a rift in the Government over the issuing but admitted he was "disappointed" with the situation.
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"The Government has made a decision to seek to develop the Abbottstown site through private investment," he said. "This has been done in other countries".
He was not aware of disquiet among Fianna Fáil backbenchers on the issue, he said.