Dublin: Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to meet British Prime Minister Tony Blair in Moscow today for an informal discussion on developments in Northern Ireland in the wake of last Thursday's Westminster elections.
Mr Ahern had a 20-minute telephone conversation with Mr Blair on Saturday during which they discussed the outcome of the elections in Northern Ireland and potential political developments there over the coming weeks and months. He also personally congratulated Mr Blair on his victory in the British general election.
The Government's position is that the IRA has been allowed space to have an internal debate on the issues of criminality, decommissioning and an end to paramilitary activity, and that the Taoiseach is awaiting a response.
Speaking in Dublin yesterday, Mr Ahern said that Mr Blair had assured him he was committed to seeing powersharing restored in Northern Ireland. The Taoiseach was also optimistic about the prospects for a political solution.
"If we can make the progress that we have requested of the parties to deal with the issues of decommissioning, to deal with the issues of criminality and move to a new future and the IRA stepping aside, then we can make a lot of progress," he said.
Mr Ahern and Mr Blair will hold further informal discussions in Moscow later this morning, where they are attending commemorations to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the second World War in Europe.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern is to meet with the newly appointed Northern Secretary Peter Hain "as soon as possible" for talks, according to the Minister's spokesman. Both men spoke by telephone on Saturday.
On Friday, Dermot Ahern also spoke with Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, SDLP leader Mark Durkan and DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson to congratulate them on their parties' electoral performances. He told all three about the Government's belief that there was "a lot of work ahead".
Meanwhile, the Taoiseach led tributes to David Trimble, who announced his resignation as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party on Saturday.
He said he "greatly valued" his relationship with the Unionist leader. "David Trimble was a tenacious defender of the interests of the Unionist people of Northern Ireland," Mr Ahern said. "The historic achievement of the Good Friday agreement would not have been possible without him. He is owed an enormous debt of gratitude by everyone who shares a vision of this island reconciled and at peace."
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny praised Mr Trimble's "crucial contribution".
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte noted Mr Trimble's "political courage and determination".