The Taoiseach defended his junior ministerial reshuffle last night, amid continuing anger in the party at the way it was carried out. Three northside Dublin TDs have publicly expressed disappointment at Mr Ahern's behaviour. Stephen Collins, Political Correspondent, reports.
In a radio interview yesterday, Seán Haughey expressed his hurt at the way he had been treated and said he would reflect on whether he had a future in politics. He said he would come to a decision after Easter.
A Government spokeswoman said the Taoiseach could not have met the disappointed north Dublin TDs before yesterday's announcement because he would have been obliged to meet all of those who had expectations of promotion.
She maintained that the long Dáil wrangle over the controversial Sea Fisheries Bill was a contributory factor to the delay in the reshuffle, as the Taoiseach wanted the Bill to be well progressed before he made the announcement.
Pat "the Cope" Gallagher was moved out of the Department of the Marine as part of the reshuffle after serious conflict with his senior Minister, Noel Dempsey, who is currently piloting the legislation through the Dáil.
The spokeswoman said Mr Ahern had put a great deal of thought into the reshuffle and had considered the electoral impact of the decision as well as its effect on the individuals concerned.
However, there was deep annoyance in the party at all levels about the decision to promote Meath TD Mary Wallace to replace Ivor Callely, rather than a TD from Dublin.
Mr Haughey and another TD on Dublin's northside, Pat Carey, yesterday followed the example of Jim Glennon by expressing public disappointment at the Taoiseach's decision and the way he handled the move.
Mr Haughey revealed he had been informed by Government chief whip Tom Kitt that he would not be getting promotion but had heard nothing directly from Mr Ahern. The Taoiseach later said he would be willing to meet Mr Haughey to discuss the matter.
Mr Haughey's father and his grandfather, Seán Lemass, served in the taoiseach's office, but he said yesterday that while he considered it a great honour to serve the public in Dáil Éireann, he would have to consider his future if it was clear he would never be promoted.
Colleagues who are annoyed that there was no effort to dampen speculation about Mr Haughey's likely promotion believe he will run again at the next election.