Ahern dismisses Brennan rift speculation

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has attempted to draw a line in the sand over the reported rift between himself and the former Minister…

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has attempted to draw a line in the sand over the reported rift between himself and the former Minister for Transport he demoted in last week's Cabinet reshuffle.

Mr Seamus Brennan is understood to be bitterly disappointed at being moved from the Department of Transport to Social and Family Affairs.

It was reported that Mr Brennan was so angry at being summonsed into the Taoiseach's office last week and told he was being removed that he threatened to resign from politics.

While a spokesman for Mr Brennan strongly denied the claims, it is an open secret he was extremely disappointed to be replaced by former environment minister, Mr Martin Cullen, after just over two years in one of the most high-profile Cabinet positions.

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But the Taoiseach today tried to brush off speculation of a major rift between himself and the Dublin South TD.

"The reshuffle is over and that's it as far as I'm concerned," he said. "Finished. It's over. Next story."