THE Taoiseach has suggested the handling of Orange Order parades should be seen in the context of "the bigger picture" in Northern Ireland.
Confirming that the Northern Secretary of State, Dr Mo Mowlam, had not made a decision yet on the handling of Sunday's controversial march in Drumcree, Mr Ahern said: "I am going to do all that I can not to get sidetracked by one event on the road to getting to the bigger question."
He was speaking at a press conference in the Irish Embassy following his first meeting, as Taoiseach, with the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, at 10 Downing Street yesterday.
Mr Ahern reiterated his position to Mr Blair that he did not want to see Orange marchers forced down the Garvaghy Road. Acknowledging that the ultimate decision would be made by the British government, he confirmed that his position was that "I do not want to see issues forced or pushed".
The forthcoming parades and the prospects for peace headed the agenda during their 1 1/2-hour meeting. The Northern Secretary, Dr Mowlam, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Burke, also attended.
Mr Ahern indicated that Dr Mowlam may not make her decision, in conjunction with the RUC, on the handling of Sunday's march today. He offered his support to her for the efforts she was making to attain dialogue so that they could move through this phase with peace and harmony.
Though he was not informed of any decision, Mr Ahern said he had "some feeling" for what they were attempting to do. No particular proposal was discussed at their meeting.
He appealed to both communities for generosity, which could offer a far greater victory than civil strife, unrest and a summer of discontent.
The Taoiseach commended the Prime Minister for the enormous interest and time, commitment and energy which he was devoting to moving the whole Northern process forward. Mr Blair had informed him that he had six communications from US President, Mr Clinton, about Northern Ireland since he took office eight week's ago.
The difficulties for the next number of weeks could not be in any way underestimated, Mr Ahern continued. There were a number of potential flashpoints, including Drumcree. He was determined that, insofar as they could, both governments would work together to get through those difficulties.
Mr Ahern said the two leaders discussed at some length the resumption of the talks process and how they could move to an inclusive basis over the coming months.
Mr Blair had also assured him they would not "delay for any long period" making a decision on the previous government's assessment of the events of Bloody Sunday.