Ahern's day: Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said he hopes there is no outstanding argument or issue with the Tánaiste following recent tensions.
"No, I'd hope not," Mr Ahern said in Limerick yesterday. He was speaking before Tánaiste Michael McDowell made it clear in Dublin that the Progressive Democrats were going to continue in Government.
"Obviously, I had to answer all of the issues during the week and I think I've answered those to the best of my ability. Any other knowledge that I have, or any details that I have, I continue to deal with the tribunal and of course from the point of view of the Tánaiste, if he wants me to consult him closely on any of these issues I'd be very glad to," Mr Ahern said
The Taoiseach, who was on a tour of the Limerick and Shannon areas, declined to speak further to the media after Mr McDowell expressed his view that the damage done to the Government could be repaired.
Mr Ahern dismissed suggestions that there was any difficulty between himself and Mary Harney following his remarks in the Dáil.
"I think there's no argument between me and Mary Harney. You'd only be jumping on words.There's no argument between me and Mary Harney."
He added that Fianna Fáil was continuing its normal Government business. He did not want the Coalition with the Progressive Democrats to break down.
"As head of the Government and leader of Fianna Fáil, I've talked to practically all of my colleagues, we just want to get on with it, we don't want any change and we're not trying to precipitate any difficulty.
"All of us are out doing our job, we don't want in any way to be difficult. We don't want this Government to break down. That's our position. If it does, it won't be Fianna Fáil or any of our Ministers. We want to continue on. We believe this is an excellent Government."
Mr Ahern declined to clarify whether discussions had already taken place with Independent TDs in the event of the Coalition's collapse.
"I would rather just get on with this Government - I'm not seeking an argument with anyone," he said.
"What I want to do is just continue on doing the job, get on with the job. We've a huge agenda in front of us. This is the time of year when we have to prepare for the Book of Estimates, we have the Budget on in two months' time, we have the National Development Plan, we've the Capital Programme so we've a huge agenda of work to do. On Monday, I'm meeting the chancellor of Germany and then we have Northern Ireland next week so we've just a huge agenda so I certainly don't want any argument or any issue - I just want to get on with the job."
The Taoiseach undertook 15 engagements in the southwest yesterday, including the launch at Shannon airport of Atlantic Way, a group established to maximise the development potential of the west.
His itinerary in the Limerick and Shannon areas included a visit to the Enterprise Centre in Moyross, Meelick National School, Castleconnell Community Hall, Garryowen sports club in Limerick city and the nearby Geraldines soccer club. He also visited a newly opened secondary Gaelscoláiste in Limerick city centre as well as the Model School on O'Connell Street.
Mr Ahern also viewed the new facilities at Na Piarsaigh GAA Club and as well as launching the rebranding of the Shannon District Chambers of Commerce.
The Taoiseach also did a small walkabout around Shannon town centre where he opened an art exhibition and he visited Clarecastle day care centre to visit a building project there.
His final engagement was at a family resource centre in Newmarket-on-Fergus. Later, he flew back to Dublin for the Gonzaga Past Pupils dinner which was also attended by the Tánaiste.