A Fianna Fáil-led government will not depend for its survival upon Sinn Féin's support following the general election, regardless of the Dáil's arithmetic, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has made clear.
Spelling out Fianna Fáil's attitude, Mr Ahern confirmed there are no circumstances in which "an outside supporting role" from Sinn Féin would be acceptable.
Asked if the next government should "formally, or informally" require Sinn Féin's Dáil votes, Mr Ahern replied: "Not at this stage. Naturally, any party is free to vote on issues for or against the government as they please. Parliamentary dependence on Sinn Féin by government through any formal or informal arrangement in the next Dáil would place an unacceptable burden on North/South and British/Irish relations."
The replies from the Taoiseach were given to the Sunday Independent, which asked all party leaders to detail their attitudes to coalition with Sinn Féin.
"There can only be one army and one system of justice in the State. Sinn Féin has to resolve its relationship with the IRA before becoming part of a sovereign Irish government, exercising collective responsibility for justice and defence. Even if the IRA were disbanded, all weapons put beyond use and there were a complete end to vigilantism and punishment attacks North and South, and full support given to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, there would be insufficient time to establish confidence for government participation to be realistic," he said.
However, it is still not clear if Mr Ahern would accept Sinn Féin's support in the Dáil vote for Taoiseach, or if he would regard a victory with their support as morally, or politically, invalid.
The Fine Gael Party leader, Mr Michael Noonan, said he could not envisage circumstances arising where he would accept an outside supporting role for a government he led. "Any such role could only be considered after the Provisional IRA has been disbanded and Sinn Féin has repudiated its links with paramilitary violence."
The Green Party leader, Mr Trevor Sargent, said he was "not assured" that Sinn Féin could join a government in the Republic because the Constitution requires allegiance to "one army".
"However, if IRA disbandment and no support for vigilantism could be guaranteed by Sinn Féin, then a role could be foreseen notwithstanding the peace movement origins of the Greens."
The Tánaiste and Progressive Democrats leader, Ms Mary Harney, said a government "cannot choose who might offer it support on an informal basis but the Progressive Democrats in government shall not enter into any formal or informal arrangements for the support of Sinn Féin.
The leader of the Labour Party, Mr Quinn, said he could deal with Sinn Féin if decommissioning is completed, the IRA disbands and "our policies were compatible".
Sinn Féin president Mr Adams said his party's Dáil votes should be respected if it holds "a position of strength" after the election.
