A fortnight of intensive negotiations aimed at resolving the latest problem in the peace process will follow tomorrow's nationalist show of solidarity in Enniskillen involving Mr Seamus Mallon, Mr Micheal Martin and Ms Bairbre de Brun.
The Cabinet decided yesterday to send the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, to Enniskillen to meet his Northern counterpart Ms de Brun, despite Mr David Trimble's dismissal of such a meeting as a "face-saving device".
The Government and Sinn Fein yesterday conceded that the meeting would be outside the framework of the North-South Ministerial Council. However, both see the holding of a bilateral meeting as of great symbolic importance to show that the work of the North-South Council is continuing despite Mr Trimble's veto of Sinn Fein attendance at formal meetings.
While a Government spokesman last night listed the health issues that would be discussed, it is clear that the holding of the meeting is seen as a political statement - a point emphasised by the decision of the Deputy First Minister, Mr Mallon, to attend.
Mr Mallon, after 45 minutes of talks with Mr Trimble yesterday, failed to persuade the First Minister to agree to the calling of a special meeting of the Executive to discuss the political difficulties.
He said he was travelling to Enniskillen because he had a responsibility "for the stewardship of the institutions established by the Good Friday agreement".
Meanwhile, intensive efforts are under way to get the IRA to re-engage with the decommissioning body chaired by Gen John de Chastelain. Mr Trimble's motion, endorsed by the Ulster Unionist Council last Saturday, says he will lift his sanction on Sinn Fein once the IRA engages again with the commission.
Ministers are anxious to bring this about rapidly, fearing that a prolonged confrontation over the latest UUC move will further reduce trust. To this end the Government will press over the next two weeks for progress on the aspects of the Belfast Agreement important to nationalists.
The outstanding issues include the Police Bill and the further reduction of the British military presence. The Government is also seeking movement on the republican movement's desire for an amnesty for people who have been "on the run".
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, who meets the Northern Secretary, Mr Peter Mandelson, in London later today, briefed yesterday's Cabinet meeting on the situation.
While it is understood that some Ministers indicated annoyance at Mr Trimble's latest position, most understood, as one source said, "where he is coming from".
There was also contact at either political or official level between the Government and all the parties, including Sinn Fein and the Ulster Unionist Party. The prospect of a round-table conference involving the two governments and the parties has not been ruled out.