The Taoiseach Mr Ahern tonight turned down a challenge to debate the forthcoming national referendum on abortion on live television.
Mr Ahern refused to go head-to-head with Fine Gael party leader Mr Michael Noonan, saying he did not wish to politicise the debate.
Mr Noonan said he very much regreted that his offer had been rejected.
Mr Noonan laid down the challenge before 3,000 delegates at his annual party conference in Dublin last night. A Yes vote, which is being urged by Fianna Fáil, would make abortion illegal, even in cases where pregnancy makes a woman suicidal.
But Fine Gael is campaigning for a No vote. Mr Noonan said at the conference: "I want the Fine Gael party to campaign for a No vote. If the referendum succeeds it will introduce uncertainty into the Constitution.
"The people should be fully informed and to assist in this I now challenge the Taoiseach to debate the issues with me on television in a head-to-head debate."
He added: "You can run Taoiseach but you cannot hide. It is time you dealt with this issue in a public debate. I look forward to your early reply."
Today Mr Noonan got that reply: "The Taoiseach is not commenting on what Mr Noonan had to say but you can take it from that that he will not be taking part in a televised debate," a spokesman said.
"The Taoiseach feels that this is a very important issue which is being put before the people and it is for the people to make the decision."
He added: "He believes this is not a party political issue and he does not intend to politicise the issue."
PA