Further signs of discontent and division in the Progressive Democrats emerged this afternoon after a founding member said the party should withdraw from government or disband.
Party trustee Paul McKay wrote to members saying the PDs were in danger of drifting "aimlessly" following its disaster in the general election when it lost six Dail seats including that of then leader Michael McDowell.
Mr McKay also said the party was in coalition with "a questionable political grouping" with a track record of "low standards in high places". The party was largely formed 22 years ago by Fianna Fail members disaffected by Charles Haughey's leadership.
Party leader Mary Harney, who reluctantly resumed the position after Mr McDowell's resignation, was due to make a public appearance in Cork today but cancelled. But two local councillors spoke out today.
Dublin South East councillor John Kenny took issue with Bertie Ahern position as Taoiseach in light of the controversy over his finances.
He told Newstalk that if Mr Ahern was a member of the PDs he would heave been forced to resign.
"If these matters had come to light about a member of the Progressive Democrats or a member of the Green Party I don't believe a member of the PDs or the Greens would have been able to stay in Government. And that's important. The members of the PDs want someone to articulate our values," Mr Kenny said.
He also said agreed with MrMcKay's concern about the position of party leader saying the saying the matter needed to be resolved soon.
Later, Galway Senator Ciaran Cannon rejected the criticism and said the party could best contribute to Irish life by remaining in the Fianna Fail-led Coalition.
"We have always positioned ourselves as a party of government, not a debating society," he said.
He said members should concentrate on renewing the party. "There can be no place for negativity or solo runs in this," Mr Cannon said.
Additional reporting PA