The Taoiseach has said that the Government had an obligation to deal with the abortion issue and that a referendum was its "best shot".
He said the difficulties created by the X case, which effectively permitted abortion in Ireland, would continue if the issues were not put to the people. The combination of legislation backed up by constitutional reform would ensure that the people would have power over the issue.
In relation to the next election, the Fianna Fáil leader once again stated that he intends the Government to serve until the end of its term. Mr Ahern said that the party would be working hard to maximise its vote in every constituency.
He said although he was not conceding any seats, he would not take anything for granted. Mr Ahern warned that while some people said that Sinn Féin would take six to ten seats at the expense of Fianna Fáil, he was not going to let that happen.
He also issued a stern warning against vigilante activity in certain constituencies. He said there was one police force and one army in this country, and that people taking the law into their own hands was anathema to him.
Speaking in another interview, which will be broadcast on RTÉ's Week in Politics this evening, the Taoiseach confirmed that the Government is to take legal action against the British government about Sellafield.
Bertie Ahern said that he was infuriated by last week's British government decision to allow the controversial MOX plant at Sellafield to go ahead.
He said that the Sellafield operation was "extraordinary", that it seemed to operate independently, and that it had an unlimited supply of money. Mr Ahern warned that if the British government would not listen to the Irish Government's complaints, he would have to fight the issue in international law.
The full interview will be broadcast this evening on RTE 1 at 10.45pm tonight.
