The three main opposition parties walked out of the Dáil today, vowing not to return before the weekend.
Fine Gael, Labour and Green parties left following a row generated when an independent member of the house made allegations about a former justice minister.
Independent Donegal South West TD Mr Tom Gildea claimed Fine Gael’s former Minister for Justice, Mrs Nora Owen had received "financial remuneration" from a TV cable company.
Ms Owen hotly denied the charge and protested strongly over the remarks.
Mr Gildea later withdrew his remarks and apologised.
But the opposition groupings demanded a formal censure of the politician, insisting Mr Gildea had "thrown mud under privilege". And they left the chamber when the request was turned down.
Most of today's proceedings went ahead without opposition party members, though individual members appeared from time-to-time to successfully query the presence of a quorum - and further delay proceedings.
Eventually, the Dáil was adjourned for the day, several hours earlier than normal.
Afterwards, the three parties all said they would not return to the Dáil tomorrow, and the row looked set to drag on through the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Taoiseach Mr Ahern missed all the excitement. He was on government business in Co Kerry.
But Mr Ahern made it clear that in his view the matter was at an end - and that a censure move was not necessary following Mr Gildea's apology.
The Dáil will still sit tomorrow.
PA