For the second consecutive weekend Irish officials are engaged in intensive talks to procure concessions from the Provisional republican movement on decommissioning. In the House of Commons yesterday a Bill was introduced giving a seven-day limit before the Assembly is suspended.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, admitted he was "in a tight corner" in his efforts to ensure the success of the Belfast Agreement.
There was no sign of movement on decommissioning last night. Sources close to the negotiations said the hope was still alive that the republicans would clarify their position on preparations for decommissioning.
It is understood that the Provisional IRA has been discussing how it would dispose of weapons to satisfy Gen de John Chastelain. Knowledge of these internal IRA discussions is understood to have prompted both governments to direct their officials to embark on further negotiations.
It is hoped the IRA will expand publicly on its internal discussions so as to satisfy Gen de Chastelain's commission that it is genuine about decommissioning.
If the IRA, through its interlocutors, was prepared to inform Gen de Chastelain that it was making preparations, he could make a more promising report than the one the governments received on Tuesday. That report is being kept under wraps because of its negative tone.
The Northern Secretary, speaking in Liverpool last night, appealed to republicans not to squander what he called the best chance the North has ever had for peace, reiterating that the Assembly and the Executive will be suspended next week unless the Provisional IRA moves.
Addressing the Institute of Irish Studies in Liverpool, Mr Peter Mandelson said he understood the feelings of republicans, but they had to move.
"Surrendering long-fought and hardline political ground is one thing. Appearing to be forced to surrender altogether is quite another. That's why decommissioning is a voluntary contribution to the process of building trust. But it is also necessary in order to move forward." he said.
In Belfast informed sources on all sides remained pessimistic that agreement could be reached. Republicans said an imminent start to decommissioning was more unlikely than ever.
The Ulster Unionist Assembly party met at Stormont yesterday and unanimously endorsed Mr Trimble's actions this week.
It is believed that if concessions can be wrung from the republican side then there will be reciprocity from the unionists.
Garda sources confirmed yesterday that the Provisional IRA leadership had been briefing its membership in preparation for decommissioning within the time frame of the Belfast Agreement, which set May 22nd for the completion of this process. Preparing the IRA membership to accept this date was thrown into disarray by the unionist deadline.
The Provisional IRA leadership is said to be concerned at the prospect of its organisation fragmenting. The IRA Army Council is believed to support the Sinn Fein leadership of Mr Gerry Adams and Mr Martin McGuinness on participating in the Assembly. But it is not known if it will allow a possible major split in its military structure to let its political wing continue to take part in the Assembly.