The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern tonight called on the people of Northern Ireland to use their vote in Wednesday's Assembly elections and stressed the importance of the Belfast Agreement.
Echoing the sentiments of British Prime Minster Tony Blair, Mr Ahern said it was now time for the governments to stand back and allow voters consider their political options.
The electorate should make choices "based on an assessment of their own best interests, the future security and happiness of their children and the overall welfare of wider society in Northern Ireland," he said.
The Taoiseach also confirmed he would be meeting Mr Blair at the British-Irish Council in Cardiff next Friday.
"The close relationship between the two governments is of fundamental importance and will continue to be vital," he said.
"And as governments in close partnership, we look forward, after the elections, to working with all parties of constructive purpose and intent."
Mr Ahern said his priority after the elections was to achieve rapid agreement on the setting up of an inclusive executive and to press on with the full implementation of the Belfast Agreement.
"I believe that the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland whether they are unionist, nationalist, republican or loyalist simply want to move on.
"They want an end to violence and sectarianism. They want an end to stop-start institutions.
"What they want is real politics with their leaders making their institutions work in the interests of all the people of Northern Ireland."
The implementation of an executive must not be confused with the approaching four-year review of the Agreement, he said.