The call by Progressive Democrats trustee Paul Mackay for the party to pull out of coalition or dissolve has been rejected by party Senator and potential leadership candidate Ciaran Cannon.
Mr Cannon said the decision to enter government was taken unanimously last summer, and the reasons for remaining in coalition still applied.
He did accept that the leadership issue should be dealt with immediately, as suggested by Mr Mackay, and he said party members at all levels were determined to continue to make a strong contribution to the continued success of the country.
"There is no doubt that the last general election was a setback for us. But straight after the election, and since then, we are clear that our best contribution to public life in Ireland is by working in government, not introspection and self-absorption on the sidelines. We have always positioned ourselves as a party of government, not a debating society."
Mr Cannon said it was a fact that during the election campaign the party said it was in the best interests of the country and of the economy for the outgoing government to continue in office.
"All office holders of the party campaigned unanimously on that basis, raised funds on that basis and fully supported the party leader on that basis.
"Our decision to enter this Government was unanimous last summer. The reasons for that decision are equally valid and compelling today: as a party we contribute most to national life in government; we fully support Mary Harney continuing her important work of substantial reform in health; the renewal of the party is not at all hindered by participation in government."
Mr Cannon said party members were determined to make 2008 a year of renewal and to put the disappointment of 2007 behind them.
"No one underestimates the challenges. We are determined to move forward. There can be no place for negativity or solo runs in this.
"No one person has a monopoly on wisdom and insight. We will take decisions collectively, democratically, in our own time and with a united purpose."
He said the PDs supported the work of the Mahon tribunal.
"The work of the tribunal can only be hindered by theatrical politics around leaks, spin and rumours. I believe we should take no part in the political point-scoring about the tribunal.
"The tribunal has not made any findings or reported its views yet on the matters currently being considered. We should base our decisions on facts, and the fact is that the tribunal is still work-in-progress.
"We shouldn't make political decisions when the tribunal has not reported back to the Oireachtas on the current module according to its terms of reference."
He said the serious issues which people were concerned about were maintaining jobs, economic competitiveness and public service reform.
"That is what we entered government for, and we support Mary Harney fully in the Government pursuing these urgent priorities."
Meanwhile, Mr Mackay said he was pleased with the response of party members to his message, but added that it was early to come to a conclusion about the general mood within the party.
One senior source close to the leadership conceded that Mr Mackay's message had provoked a lot of interest, and there was a great deal of resonance in his suggestion that the leadership issue be dealt with as soon as possible.
He added, however, that there was not a lot of resonance among members for the notion of either "pulling out of Government or for folding the tent".
