A source close to the Progressive Democrats has indicated that the party is deeply unhappy with the Taoiseach's account of his involvement in the Philip Sheedy affair. The source noted that the party leader, Mary Harney had told Mr Ahern twice to disclose the fact that he made representations to have Mr Sheedy given temporary release from prison. The source added that the case had a number of unusual connections with the Fianna Fáil party.
Earlier today, the Labour Party's Public Enterprise Spokesman, Pat Rabbitte strongly attacked the Taoiseach over his claim that he did nothing wrong in making an enquiry regarding the possibility of day release for Philip Sheedy. Mr Rabitte said that the Taoiseach's response to questions regarding his intervention amounted to nothing more than "incoherent gibberish".
Speaking on Morning Ireland, Mr Rabbitte also criticised the Minister for Justice John O'Donoghue who has claimed that the reason the Taoiseach did not reveal he had made representations on behalf of Mr Sheedy was to avoid giving conspiracy fodder to political opportunists. Mr O'Donoghue replied that there had been no attempt to hide Mr Ahern's involvement, which he said had been irrelevant to the controversy over Mr Sheedy's release.
Political commentators have been speculating on the stability of the coalition government, following the Taoiseach's decision not to accede to the Tánaiste's wish, two weeks ago, that he reveal to the Dáil his role in the Sheedy affair. The Taoiseach had informed Ms Harney of his involvement on 14th April, the day that Chief Justice Hamilton's report was delivered to the Attorney General. She had suggested that the matter be put on the record of the Dáil.
Mr Ahern, who has vehemently denied that he concealed his representations on behalf of Philip Sheedy, told reporters that he had informed the Tánaiste in case his action had been misinterpreted. He said he had resolved to take the opportunity to answer questions about his representations as soon as he could.
