The Taoiseach and his backbenchers will hold delicate negotiations this week on the level of independence to be given to a new committee representing backbench interests.
TDs seeking a greater input into policy are determined to set up their new committee as early as this week, although some fear Mr Ahern's intervention in the matter last Friday may delay or dilute the project.
Mr Ahern will address the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party tomorrow and is expected to meet four key backbenchers on Wednesday to discuss plans to set up the new committee sought by a group of at least 16 TDs to give them a greater input into Government policy and the next Fianna Fáil election manifesto.
This week's talks follow the last minute decision on Friday not to send a letter, signed by the 16 TDs, to all backbenchers inviting them to a meeting tomorrow night to discuss setting up the committee. The letter was withheld at the Taoiseach's request and followed his public statement that he supported their plans. The development came after Mr Ahern held a meeting with Carlow/Kilkenny TD John McGuinness, one of the main promoters of the plan.
Fianna Fáil sources said yesterday that Mr Ahern is determined that any new committee will not be independent of the parliamentary party but will operate within the existing structure. The unsent letter to all Fianna Fáil TDs did state that the objective was to set up a new committee within existing party structures, although its backers want it to have a high degree of autonomy.
"It is to be an independent committee run by backbenchers tapping into the parliamentary party and with access to Ministers," Mr McGuinness said yesterday. "It is our structure, and our leadership within the backbenchers. Any move to dilute this is not what we want."
Mr Ahern is expected to meet Mr McGuinness, Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire), John Maloney (Laois/Offaly) and Jim Glennon (Dublin North) on Wednesday to discuss the idea. Mr McGuinness said yesterday that he believed the Taoiseach's address to the parliamentary party meeting tomorrow would make clear his enthusiasm for the idea, and that the Wednesday meeting would be about the practicalities of setting it up. He hoped it could then hold its first meeting later this week.
Several backbenchers contacted yesterday expressed concern that Mr Ahern's intervention may have weakened the momentum towards setting up a new committee. Commenting on the mood among backbenchers yesterday Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey said there were divergent views in the party about coalition with the PDs.