If the Taoiseach hoped to prompt a bout of soul searching among the "learned professions" he accused of profiteering at the IMI conference, he will be disappointed by the lukewarm reaction to his attack last night.

The Law Society said Mr Ahern had not actually singled out any profession.

In any case, it is preposterous to suggest that solicitors are commanding unjustifiable fees or that there is a dearth of competition in the sector, the society's director general, Mr Ken Murphy, said.

"There is vibrant and internal and external competition in the market for legal services in Ireland," he added.

The Bar Council declined to comment because the Taoiseach did not explicitly criticise barristers.

Doctors representatives said responsibility for fostering competition lay with the Government at first instance.

A shortage of consultants, limits on the number of GPs allowed to treat medical card patients and the escalating cost of medical insurance are issues that Mr Ahern and the Cabinet are best placed to confront, said Mr Fenton Howell, director of industrial relations at the Irish Medical Organisation.

Veterinary Ireland, the representative body for the profession, said a prohibition on vets becoming limited liability companies and the shortage of third-level training places have dampened competition.

The Irish Dental Association did not wish to comment.