LONDON, April 2, 2008 (AFP) - Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, who has come under growing pressure over alleged financial irregularities, announced Wednesday that he will stand down on May 6.

Ahern, announcing his decision at a hastily-arranged press conference, insisted he was not stepping down because of that pressure, saying: 'I know in my heart of hearts that I've done no wrong and wronged no-one.'