The Taoiseach is to discuss Northern Ireland with President Clinton this morning in Istanbul, where both men are attending the summit of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Mr Ahern had a brief conversation with President Clinton yesterday and will have a longer meeting this morning. Mr Ahern also telephoned Senator George Mitchell yesterday to thank him for his efforts towards finding a political solution in Northern Ireland. The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, also praised Senator Mitchell's work.
Mr Bruton said in a statement that both Mr Gerry Adams and Mr David Trimble were taking risks. "Gerry Adams has shown great courage, but David Trimble faces the first big test."
He called on the Government to emphasise to "unionist grassroots" that once the executive was established, Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution were changed irrevocably. "Irish nationalism will cease to be territorial. Irish nationalism will become, for the first time in history, respectful of the Britishness of unionists. And if, after that, the executive has to stop because the IRA has not delivered decommissioning, the changes in Articles 2 and 3 will be irreversible.
"It is time for intelligent unionists to realise that their glass is two-thirds full, not one-third empty," he said. "They should back David Trimble 100 per cent."