The Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, have stated that they wish to see elections in the North staged before Christmas, and to see an executive with cross community support up and running.
Mr Ahern was speaking after a brief meeting with Mr Blair at the European Council session in Rome.
The Taoiseach added that he would like to see a commitment from the UUP leader, Mr David Trimble, to work positively with the executive, if such plans were to go ahead.
Meanwhile, Gerry Adams and David Trimble yesterday held further talks in an attempt to find agreement which would revive the Stormont power sharing government. Afterwards, it was confirmed that the two leaders have agreed to meet again, early next week.