The Taoiseach said yesterday the election result for the Ulster Unionist Party would make the situation in Northern Ireland "more difficult".
Mr Ahern said he had a long conversation with the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, on Saturday during which they discussed the task ahead.
"I think both of us are determined to get on with what we wanted to do anyway, regardless; we have to do that. I think it will be more difficult but we have to see how the local election results go today and tomorrow."
Mr Ahern and Mr Blair are due to discuss the fallout from the Westminster poll at the European summit in Gothenburg, Sweden, at the weekend.
"But we are committed to getting on with that agenda, and we are going to meet on Thursday or Friday to discuss how we are going to handle it. I hope everybody holds their nerve on these issues."
The Taoiseach said Mr Trimble has been very much a progressive leader in the Northern talks for the past four years.
"So I think it is important that he is there as we work our way through," said Mr Ahern.