Ahern likely to survive controversy over Manchester money
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is looking increasingly likely to survive the controversy surrounding the payments he received from businessmen in 1993 and 1994.
Last week, Mr Ahern's political future looked grim when Tánaiste Michael McDowell said he had grave concerns about the £8,000 that the Taoiseach received in Manchester.
However, Mr McDowell has since softened his stance, saying Mr Ahern is an honest man and he does not want "heads on plates".
Newspaper reports over the weekend said Mr Ahern had also paid back the money be received from friends in 1993, while opinion polls showed a majority of voters do not want him to resign.
The Taoiseach and Tánaiste are expected to meet today to discuss the explanation Mr Ahern is due to give to the Dáil tomorrow.
The opposition claims the two men have already reached a secret deal to keep the Government together that will see Mr Ahern apologise to the Dáil for errors of judgement.
