The Taoiseach repeated that there would be no renegotiation of the Belfast Agreement as he answered Dáil questions in advance of his meeting with the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, in London today.
Mr Ahern said any review would not affect the fundamentals of the agreement. "I have not exhausted the issues we consider to be fundamental, but I have said I do not want any changes to the institutional structure of the agreement, including the North-South bodies in particular, and the arrangements in place for them. The idea of devolved inclusive government on a cross-community basis is an issue that cannot be renegotiated."
He said he would review with Mr Blair prospects for progress following recent contacts. They would also avail of the occasion to meet the Northern Ireland parties. Mr Blair had met with the DUP earlier in the day.
"We need to bear in mind that the current impasse essentially revolves around the operation of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland.
"The matters encompassed by the agreement are far wider than devolution. It embraces a broad agenda of change, including the areas of policing, criminal justice, human rights and equality."
The provisions of the agreement, reasserted in the Joint Declaration, remained the agenda of both governments, and they would continue to insist that they were implemented.
"I acknowledge that there has been important progress, but there are issues, specifically the matter of weapons decommissioning, that remain to be resolved. The sooner this can be done, the better the prospects of resolving the impasse."
Replying to questions, Mr Ahern said the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland wanted devolved government, and there was an onus on everyone to bring it about.
"I do not imagine any of the parties are against considering how the agreement has operated, which is why we are to have a scheduled four-year review. I have indicated a willingness to listen to the views of all parties on how the agreement has operated, and to consider changes in its workings where such changes secure consensus support.
"Both governments have made it clear that this is not a review of the fundamentals of the agreement. There can be no change to these which include the principle of inclusion."
Mr Ahern said until devolved government was re-established, the two governments must drive and manage the issues, including the British-Irish InterGovernmental Conference (BIIGC).
"We are also committed to ensuring the North-South arrangements continue to function in a satisfactory manner.
"No matter what the outcome of the election, it was always going to take some time to sort things out."
