The setbacks in the Northern Ireland peace process can be overcome, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, and the British Secretary for Northern Ireland, Mr Paul Murphy, declared today.
Speaking ahead of a meeting London late this afternoon, Mr Murphy said the postponement of Assembly elections prove a "temporary halt", while Mr Cowen said he was confident the two governments would find "common ground" to move the stalled process forward.
The talks at Lancaster House come against the backdrop of heightened tension resulting from the "Stakeknife" affair and follow a call from US President George Bush's Ulster envoy Richard Haass for elections to be held as soon as possible.
Mr Cowen said: "We have a very proactive political agenda to pursue. Certainly I hope as a result of this meeting we will be able to structure the work that needs to be done in as expeditious a way as possible to make sure that the people of Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland will see that this peace process will proceed.
"I think, despite the set backs, despite the severe difficulties and despite the disagreements, the commitment of the Irish government to work this process and work with partners like the British government to bring about the vision that is the Good Friday Agreement is something that this meeting is about today.
Mr Murphy said: "It is extremely important that we do move forward and that people understand that we have not halted.
"We have come to a temporary stop but it is very temporary. There is now a feeling among the political parties in Northern Ireland and all the people in Northern Ireland that we must move forward. Today is about moving forward."
He added: "We have come through some difficult and disappointing days recently in the process, but it is a testimony to the strength of our relationship that it is as strong and robust as ever between the two governments."
PA