The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, this afternoon confirmed that the Government was prepared to "keep trying", in its attempt to bridge the divide with the farming sector over the proposals contained within the recently-published national pay agreement, Sustaining Progress.
Speaking in Dublin at the official launch of the National Economic and Social Development Office, Mr Ahern refused to state whether he would resume talks with the farming lobby, but indicated he would "try to help them within the limited resources of the national plan."
However, the Taoiseach did not say whether any new resources could be found to tackle the divisive issue of farm incomes.
"This is a challenging time for our economy, particularly in light of the current international position. Everyone must work together," he said.
He reiterated this in his speech officially opening the new office, indicating that while he regretted that the farming organisations see the current partnership agenda as insufficient, he believed that "the test is not so much what is agreed on the page at the start as the commitment to work together in the period ahead."
"We are anxious to build on what we have achieved, and we will engage with commitment with those who decide to continue with the process," he said.
Responding to the Taoiseach's comments, the leader of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), Mr Pat O'Rourke, said the issue of farmers' incomes remains central to the participation of his members in the proposed agreement.
"For this process to work, it needs agriculture. The key issue is farm incomes - the Government needs to deliver in this regard," he stated.
Indicating that he "shared the Taoiseach's enthusiasm" for dialogue, Mr O'Rourke added: "If another meeting is what it takes, that's what it takes. If there is money there to address the issue of farmers' incomes, that will help."
Mr Ahern's comments come at a crucial time, with the main farming groups, including the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) continuing to recommend a rejection of the deal to their members, saying it does not adequately address their income crisis.
Meanwhile, unions across the State are due to vote in individual union ballots on the package in the coming weeks - the final outcome to be made known at a special delegate conference of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) on March 26th.
The new National Economic and Social Development Office incorporates the National Economic and Social Council, the National Economic and Social Forum, and the National Centre for Partnership and Performance, three analysis bodies which facilitate discussion and analysis of national policy.