Fianna Fáil parliamentary colleagues have reacted angrily to the decision by the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, to oppose the implementation of the Hanly report in his Tipperary North constituency.
Despite a conversation with the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, yesterday morning, Mr Smith - who spoke out against parts of the report at a public meeting in Nenagh on Monday night - decided to reopen the issue last night.
Using emotive language, the Minister said people living in remote rural areas in his constituency were fearful about the impact Hanly would have on Nenagh General Hospital.
"There is no need to sacrifice people who live in the outlying areas who feel threatened and worried. There is no need to sacrifice them on the altar of the Hanly Report," he declared.
Last night, the Taoiseach's spokeswoman said Mr Ahern had been informed about Mr Smith's latest remarks as he travelled to Rome for a meeting with Italian Prime Minister, Mr Silvio Berlusconi.
Rejecting charges that Mr Smith had broken ranks, the spokeswoman said the Minister had made it clear that he supported its implementation, subject to local needs being addressed.
This, she said, was entirely in line with the Cabinet's mid-October decision to accept Hanly, since Ministers made clear that implementation would recognise local "demographic and geographic" needs.
However, she said the language used by the Minister was "unfortunate" and she left open the possibility that the Taoiseach would speak with Mr Smith on his return to Ireland today.
Privately, however, the reaction from Cabinet colleagues and FF backbenchers was much harsher. "There is no encouragement for any of the rest of us to stay in line now," commented one senior TD.
In particular, backbenchers are furious that he allowed fellow FF Tipperary North TD, Ms Maire Hoctor, to speak first at Monday's public meeting in Nenagh without telling her of his intention to question the report.
"He hung her out to dry," said one TD, who alleged the Minister had taken a populist route to help the chances of his son Michael of a seat in the local elections.
"Michael Smith, in fairness to him, has gone out there in the past and defended many a hard decision. That has to be accepted. The question has to be asked why has he not done so now," the TD declared.
One Dublin TD was angry as Mr Smith had been one of the Ministers who most frequently urged backbenchers to display "loyalty and solidarity" over the last year, amid backbench tremors.
The Progressive Democrats distanced themselves from the Minister: "The principles of the Hanly Report have been approved by the Government. It is Government policy," said the Tánaiste's spokesperson.
However, no one in FF spoken to by The Irish Times believes the Taoiseach will discipline the Minister. "Michael knew how far he could go and get away with it, and did it," said one backbencher last night.
