Tánaiste Brian Cowen has strenuously denied that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is not fit to lead the country, saying he has the "full support" of Fianna Fáil.
Mr Cowen was standing in for Mr Ahern during Leaders' Questions at the Dáil this afternoon.
In heated exchanges with Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Labour leader Eamon Gilmore, Mr Cowen said the Taoiseach was entitled to a fair hearing at the Mahon Tribunal.
"There have been unsubstantial allegations made against Bertie Ahern about monies received from Owen O'Callaghan. There has been no supportive material for those allegations," he said.
"You are constantly prejudging and preempting the tribunal. We will await the outcome of the tribunal," he added.
Mr Kenny said it was "pathetic" that a Minister for Finance was standing over the "deceit emanating from Dublin Castle."
He added that what was happening in the Ahern era was akin to what happened in the Haughey era - he said the sins of the master were being replicated by the pupil.
"We have the sad spectactle of the Taoiseach of the land being decimated - his own words - at a tribunal. The good of the people has to come first. If you do nothing about this, you are an accomplice. The time has come for him to move on - you have to tell him," he added.
Mr Cowen said he didn't believe Bertie Ahern was compromised in his ability to lead the country.
"We need to get on with our business. You're saying we're not capable. We don't think he should leave office," he said.
Labour leader Eamonn Gilmore said Mr Ahern's position was untenable.
"How many more stories do we have to read? His position is untenable. He clearly intends to brazen it out - we don't have the numbers to force him out. It's up to you and I expect you to do it," he said.
Mr Cowen replied that the Taoiseach enjoyed the full confidence of the House and there was no question of him resigning.