The Taoiseach has "the full support of his cabinet colleagues" over his refusal to explain the circumstances surrounding his personal financial affairs ahead of polling day, according to Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
Mr Ahern insisted again today that he would not discuss the issue until he was called to the Mahon tribunal, which was adjourned on Monday until after the election.
Minister for Finance Brian Cowen said today the Taoiseach would answer questions in relation to monies received by his former partner Celia Larkin in the early nineties from a Manchester-based businessman, at the Mahon Tribunal and not before.
Speaking at the launch of Fianna Fáil's taxation policy this morning, Mr Cowen said: "the Taoiseach has made his decision and he has the full support of his colleagues".
The Taoiseach, meanwhile, attempted to drum up support for Fianna Fáil in Dublin City centre when he canvassed O'Connell Street and Henry Street this morning.
The party is today attempting to shift the focus on to tax, transport and environment issues, ahead of the launch of its election manifesto tomorrow.
Mr Ahern has come under increasing pressure to clarify his financial affairs with opposition parties calling on him to make a public statement on the matter ahead of the general election.
The Taoiseach categorically refused to explain further the circumstances of how and why his former partner Celia Larkin received £30,000stg from a Manchester-based businessman in 1994 for the refurbishment and stamp duty costs of his then rented home.
Speaking in Dublin city centre, Mr Ahern said: "What I am interested in doing is talking about the issues as it was yesterday, pensioners, the great work this Government has done and my party has done for pensioners. Today, that our tax policies are far better to those who are on low or middle incomes than the opposition's tax policy.
"These are the issues. You've followed me now for a number of days. You see yourselves, you know you've been sticking microphones... I'm going to answer all these things comprehensively in the tribunal. That's it."
The Labour party launched its policy for ensuring safe and secure communities today at party headquarters outlining specific proposals in relation to the reform of the Garda Siochana, increasing the number of Community Gardai and the creation of a new Garda Authority.
Fine Gael set out plans for the roll-out of 2,300 acute public hospital beds, while the Green party called on young voters and students living away from home to join the supplementary register before the Saturday cut-off point as they made constituency tours of Dublin Central and Dublin South Central. Sinn Fein
unveiled its transport priorities for Dublin.