Northern republicans must finally make up their minds on whether they are prepared to end all paramilitary and undemocratic activities in favour of whole-hearted support for both the spirit and the letter of the Belfast Agreement. Such a commitment would generate enormous goodwill in unionist and nationalist communities and create the circumstances in which the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly could be re-established in advance of scheduled May elections.
A series of bilateral meetings during the week, culminating in talks between the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, have provided grounds for optimism. The two governments announced they would intensify efforts to speed negotiations on a package of reciprocal acts involving the cessation of paramilitary activity, arms decommissioning, British demilitarisation, changes in policing arrangements and the full implementation of the Belfast Agreement. It was hoped an understanding could be reached on "acts of completion" by the political parties, by the end of February, that would re-establish public confidence in the Agreement.
The significance of the Ahern-Blair meeting was repeatedly emphasised by the Sinn Féin president, Mr Gerry Adams, and by its chief negotiator, Mr Martin McGuinness. They spoke of it as "the most important meeting in the history of the peace process" and declared that success would depend on a commitment by the British Government to police reforms, demilitarisation, human rights and equality issues.
This is not, however, a one-way street. Republicans also have responsibilities. They must discard the remnants of a mind-set that has viewed legitimate authority as the enemy and participation in democracy as a mere tactic.
A major act of decommissioning by the IRA, along with a clear statement of its future intentions, would create a significant impetus within the peace process. It could open the door to Sinn Féin's involvement in local policing bodies and facilitate the "normalisation" of policing in nationalist communities.
The leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Mr David Trimble, was unexpectedly supportive of the initiative and - without committing himself to a re-establishment of the Northern Ireland Executive - he hoped negotiations could be successfully completed in advance of the May elections. Because of an erosion of trust and credibility between the pro-Agreement parties, however, Mr Trimble required republicans to "jump first" by engaging in genuine acts of completion.
The Belfast Agreement was comprehensively endorsed by referendums on this island, five years ago. It has made a substantial difference to the lives of ordinary people. But fear, distrust and inter-communal violence bedevilled it. The parties are being offered another opportunity to implement it in full.