A number of Fianna Fáil backbenchers came out in support of the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, as party leader yesterday, and dismissed suggestions that there had been a heave against him by backbenchers at a secret meeting in Dublin on Tuesday.
Mr John Moloney, a TD for Laois-Offaly, said he knew nothing whatsoever about the reported meeting of dissidents.
"There's rumours to the effect that there's been a meeting, but no one knows who was at the meeting and I don't believe there was any such meeting.
"And in fact I don't think there's any need for any such meeting," he said.
Speaking on the News at One on RTÉ radio, he said he saw no reason why Mr Ahern wouldn't lead the party into the next election.
He said he hadn't contemplated the effect of a defeat on the Nice treaty on Mr Ahern's leadership.
"Obviously it would be a huge difficulty for the Government and indeed for the party if Nice was not winable but I don't see that issue arising," he said.
On the subject of the Flood tribunal and its recent report, he said: "I think people who are not affiliated to those who want him removed recognise that everything that Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach and as party leader could do, he has done."
Mr Batt O'Keeffe, TD for Cork South Central, said he doubted the secret meeting ever took place.
"I think a number of people spoke out about the way issues during the Nice campaign were being handled. I think that has given surface to as it were a heave against Bertie.
"I don't believe that there is anything at all to such a heave taking place.
"I think the concentration among backbenchers now is that we want to win the Nice vote.
"We want to concentrate on it and we gave out because there was a lack of direction on a number of issues relating to economic matters within the country, but I think for anyone to suggest that there is a move at the present time against the leadership of Bertie Ahern, I think they would be totally off the mark," he said.
"Bertie Ahern was our greatest asset in the general election and indeed in the previous one, and an asset doesn't become a liability overnight," he added.
He felt the suggestion that third- level fees would be reimposed was more damaging to the party than the Flood tribunal report.
Mr Conor Lenihan, TD for Dublin South West, said he was not at the so-called secret meeting and would not attend any such meeting.
"I think the suggestions that meetings are going on is a rumour.
"I think it's been promoted perhaps by mischievous elements within our own party.
"I don't know frankly, but I have yet to meet a colleague, a friend, or a TD that has been at such a meeting either so I'm a bit mystified," he said.
He said he wanted to see Mr Ahern lead the party into the next election.
Mr John McGuinness, TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, said he believed there was no secret meeting on Tuesday.
"Right now centre stage is the Nice treaty. The question of the leadership of Fianna Fáil, or indeed any other party, can be taken up at any time if it is necessary. Right now I don't see it as being necessary."