Ahern defends Government performance
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has defended the performance of his Government amid the latest Dáil assault by opposition parties.
Fine Gael and the Labour Party tabled a motion last night slamming the Government's performance in areas like health, education and crime and demanded an early election.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte told the House that the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition had "failed to stay in touch with the realities of life of a country and of a people that have changed beyond all recognition".
He said the Government was more interested in being cheerleaders for themselves.
However, Mr Ahern rejected the criticism and said the opposition had nothing to offer "but cynicism and scorn as usual".
The debate on the motion is due to resume later today before coming to a vote, which is expected to be defeated by Fianna Fáil and the PDs.
