The Sinn Fein leader, Mr Gerry Adams has hit out again today at Government backing for plans to impose sanctions on parties that contravene the Belfast agreement.
Speaking in the face of an overnight defence of the Government's position by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, Mr Adams also criticised moves to delay elections for a new Northern Ireland assembly.
"It is unacceptable that the British government have unilaterally suspended political institutions at the behest of unionism on four occasions.
"It is unacceptable that they have now postponed the elections at the behest of unionism.
"And it is unacceptable that they are now attempting to make the entire agreement subject to sanctions demanded by unionism.
"This is not just bad for democracy - it is putting in jeopardy much of the work that we have achieved in recent weeks and months.
"And this should be reflected upon by those parties who have for whatever reason supported the sanctions position or acquiesced to it."
Mr Adams made his comments at a Sinn Fein meeting in Dublin.
They followed Mr Ahern's assertion that there would be no need to resort to non-compliance regulations if there was a permanent end to paramilitary activity.
The Taoiseach said proposals due to be advanced next month by both governments had to take account of the sensitivities and concerns of all parties, and also stressed the need for the plans to also provide appropriate assurance mechanisms for handling problems in the future.
Mr Adams' remarks also followed a Dublin meeting of Sinn Fein's policy-directing Ard Comhairle national executive, when the current state of negotiations to put the Northern Ireland peace process back on track were assessed.
He reported that while substantial progress has been made on a range of issues, "substantive gaps" remained. But he added "Discussions are continuing with the two governments and the other parties in a sustained effort to close these gaps. This is very much work in progress.
"In the tactical thrust of negotiations, it is crucial to actually remember what all of this is about and what we are trying to achieve - ending conflict and division on this island and building a new Ireland which is inclusive of all."
He listed as areas where progress had been made: new legislation on Policing and Criminal Justice, demilitarisation, equality, human rights and Irish language rights.
Mr Adams said his negotiators would continue to meet the Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mr David Trimble to try to resolve issues.
He said "This is not a time to become spectators. It is a time to build alliances and forge new relationships."
PA