As the meeting of party leaders got under way at Stormont to discuss the resumption of the Northern Assembly, the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, had a further telephone conversation on the pace of developments.
Government sources yesterday said Mr Ahern and Mr Blair spoke for 15 minutes "taking stock" on a range of issues, including the prospect of direct talks between the First Minister, Mr David Trimble, and the Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams.
The security situation, in the wake of last week's passage of emergency legislation in the Dail and the House of Commons, was also discussed.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, has called on Sinn Fein for "clarification" on the role Mr Martin McGuinness will play with the International Decommissioning Body.
Mr Adams claimed at the weekend that Mr McGuinness represented Sinn Fein only and had no role in speaking to the commission on behalf of the IRA.
"While I welcome Mr McGuinness's appointment, I believe we need some clarification as to his role and function," Mr Quinn said.
He pointed out that Mr Billy Hutchinson of the PUP and Mr Kenny McClinton for the LVF were "happy to acknowledge that they have been appointed to speak to the commission on behalf of paramilitary organisations and to enter into liaison on that basis".
Responding to Mr Quinn's remarks, a Sinn Fein spokeswoman last night said Mr McGuinness would use his influence where he could to "seek total demilitarisation".
"Mr Adams represented the party position perfectly clearly on Sunday. We will fulfil everything required of us in the Belfast Agreement," she said.