Brian Lenihan has revealed he is in "good spirits" and will talk about his battle with cancer in the New Year.

The Finance Minister has been enjoying Christmas with his family since news of his health scare broke.

However, he insisted he will not be making any comment until the New Year.

The father-of-two, who is married to Circuit Court judge Patricia Ryan, said he is "at home with my family", and insisted: "I am in good spirits."

He spoke out after a TV3 news report claimed he had pancreatic cancer in their bulletin on St Stephen's Day.

Since then, friends and colleagues have been rallying around the Minister.

Mr Lenihan's health battle was revealed on St Stephen's Day by TV3 News, which reported he was suffering with pancreatic cancer.

His brother, Conor Lenihan, said his older sibling would be "fine" but would not say anything further on the matter. Conor Lenihan was attending the Leopardstown Races where he met with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

It is understood Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan discussed his medical condition with Taoiseach Brian Cowen after he was diagnosed at the Mater Hospital in Dublin.

A spokesman for Mr Lenihan's department said the minister "is well".

He is "enjoying the Christmas break" with his family and "he does not intend talking to the media about anything until the New Year", the spokesman added.

Discomfort

Mr Lenihan (50) was admitted to hospital on December 16 after complaining of discomfort.

The problem was linked at first to a suspected hernia problem but Mr Lenihan was given the cancer diagnosis in the days after his admission.

He missed the last day of the Dail before it broke for Christmas, including the crucial vote on legislation to cut public sector pay. However, he attended a meeting in Government Buildings with Mr Cowen early last week to finalise the appointment of the board of NAMA.

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he has yet to hear from Mr Lenihan.

"I don't know anything about it myself but I would wish him well. Until I hear him telling me himself, I would hold off saying too much," Mr Ahern said.

He added: "Until I hear from him I don't know. I send my best wishes of course."

Mr Ahern appointed Mr Lenihan to the Cabinet as Minister for Justice after the 2007 general election. He had served as Minister of State for Children before that. Mr Lenihan was appointed to the key post of finance in May last year, after Mr Cowen became Taoiseach.

He has presided over the economy as it experienced its most difficult period in living memory.

Mr Lenihan has been a TD for Dublin West since 1996, when he was elected to the seat once held by his father, Brian.

His party colleague, Fianna Fail TD Ned O'Keeffe, insisted Mr Lenihan's health is a private one for the minister and his family.

"That is a private matter for him," he said.

- Cormac Murphy