Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has called on Sinn Féin to hold its ardfheis "as soon as possible" to deal with the policing issue in Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the annual Liam Mellows Commemoration in Castletown, Co Wexford, yesterday, Mr Ahern said he believed next year "can be a year as historic as any in our past".
"I welcome the Sinn Féin commitment to address the policing issue," he said.
"I know how sensitive this is for them. But they now know that the path to shared government in Northern Ireland passes through a Sinn Féin ardfheis at which the policing issue is definitively and successfully addressed."
He also indicated that the Government was committed to getting the issue resolved before March.
"Given the St Andrews timeline it is clearly important that this ardfheis is held as soon as possible, thereby creating a new environment where policing in Northern Ireland, which since the Patten report has been reformed comprehensively, is endorsed and supported by all."
He said that for the first time in 400 years, since the Flight of the Earls and the Ulster plantation, there could be agreement "between all of the representatives of all the people of this island.
"The St Andrews Agreement sets out a clear direction, with clear milestones, for how this can be achieved," he said.
"I welcome the developments since we met in St Andrews. While nothing is ever simple in Northern Ireland, I think everyone can see we have a clear basis for bringing the peace process to a successful conclusion.
"I call on all concerned to meet the challenge of the St Andrews Agreement and to take political responsibility for the future.
"Do not be persuaded to delay taking the decisions that are now necessary if Northern Ireland is to settle down and be at peace with itself."
Sinn Féin has yet to indicate whether or when it will have a special ardfheis on policing. Last Wednesday a party spokesman said Sinn Féin currently had no plans for an ardfheis, which would be required to endorse any proposal by the party to take part in community policing structures in Northern Ireland.
Last Friday DUP leader the Rev Ian Paisley reiterated his party's position that there would be no powersharing deal with Sinn Féin until that party delivered, chiefly on policing.
"I am committed to deliver a fair deal, an end to the trouble that has beset our land and seeing our enemies humbled by accepting democracy, and the rule of law," he said.
On the same day the Assembly policing sub-committee tasked with trying to resolve the stand-off between the DUP and Sinn Féin over the transfer of policing and justice powers to a restored Northern Executive held its first meeting at Stormont.
Meanwhile, Mr Ahern also used his Wexford speech to describe last week's Budget as one based on "practical republicanism.
"It showed a balance between protecting a successful economy and using the fruits of success to help those in need.
"I am proud of our commitment to reducing taxes in order to allow people take home more of the money they earn. I am also proud of the fact that we have implemented an unprecedented series of increases in support for children and pensioners."