The Taoiseach was emphatic yesterday that the Government would run its full term until June 2002. Mr Ahern said it would not be honourable to do otherwise.
He was speaking to reporters following publication of an opinion poll which showed satisfaction with the Government had risen 10 points to 54 per cent. The poll found that a clear majority, 57 per cent, wanted the Government to remain in office rather than opt for an early general election.
He pointed out that the Government had asked for, and received, a mandate from the people, which should now be seen through.
The Taoiseach said he was definitely not tempted by the positive poll findings to consider an early general election.
"The election, as I have continually said, will be in the summer of 2002, and nothing will change it from that. I said at the outset that I believe the Government should run its mandate.
"I think in the past governments used to try and pick a period for an election that would suit themselves. I said back in 1997 that I didn't agree with that. I said if I was elected Taoiseach I would stay the full course. I'd never change from that and I'm not going to."
The Irish Marketing Surveys opinion poll, published in yesterday's Irish Independent, showed a boost for Fianna Fail following the controversies of the summer. At 39 per cent, the party was three points up on its 36 per cent rating in June. Mr Ahern's personal popularity jumped 13 points to 66 per cent.
The satisfaction rating of the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, rose to 56 per cent, compared to 38 per cent in September. The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, remained steady at 40 per cent, while the leader of the Labour Party, Mr Ruairi Quinn, dropped two points to 51 per cent.
"I think every opinion poll is just a snapshot of events at any particular time," Mr Ahern said. "But I think it does give heart to the Government that the work we are doing, all of the effort the Cabinet are putting in, the various initiatives, are working, and we are getting some support from the people for that."