The organisation behind the Omagh bomb, known as the "Real" IRA, is expected to announce this morning that it has begun an indefinite ceasefire. The announcement will state that the organisation is embarking on a process of internal consultation and that all "military operations" ceased as of midnight last night.
A spokesperson for the Government confirmed in response to a query from The Irish Times that a ceasefire announcement was expected and added: "It's the pressure that we put on in the South that made the difference."
The announcement will come in the wake of an ultimatum delivered by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, who called on all republican organisations not yet on ceasefire to make their positions clear.
There has also been speculation that the Irish National Liberation Army and the Continuity IRA might also announce a cessation of paramilitary activities.
The announcement from the `Real' IRA is to state that as a result of the Omagh tragedy, and in response to appeals from Mr Ahern and others, it was "currently embarking on a process of consultation on our future direction."
The statement adds that "in the meantime, all military operations have been suspended" starting from midnight last night.
It is believed a priest was a central figure in the negotiations. There have also been contacts between mainstream Provisionals and the dissidents in recent weeks, but these were not immediately successful.
The Taoiseach had called on all republican groups that continue to participate in or support violence to give a clear signal within 24 hours that they intend to end their campaigns.
He expected to hear from the three groups that had not declared ceasefires about their intentions, before he meets Mr David Trimble, Northern Ireland's First Minister, today.
"If they don't, we will intensify every single effort that I can physically and possibly do, legislatively and with the security forces, to break these organisations."
Mr Ahern said it was "insanity for them to go against the wishes of the Irish people and continue to engage in violence. I'm glad that the IRSP, speaking for their wing of the INLA, have given a very clear signal what they're doing, and the other two groups, Republican Sinn Fein and the 32County Sovereignty Movement, I think should also be declaring their position."
The Government may formally proscribe dissident republican groups when it meets this morning. Ministers will consider legislative and security proposals.
Fifteen victims will be buried after 12 separate funerals today. The funerals of the three young boys from Buncrana will be attended by the President, Mrs McAleese. Mr Trimble is also expected to attend.
Last night politicians strongly condemned a statement from the `Real IRA' admitting responsibility for the Omagh bomb attack and saying it had not intended to kill "civilians". The Northern Secretary, Dr Mowlam, said it was a "pathetic attempt to apologise for and excuse mass murder". A Government spokesman in Dublin said: "This excuse and explanation are cold comfort for the bereaved and injured. This disclaimer provides no justification or extenuation."
The earlier statement from Oglaigh na hEireann - as the organisation calls itself - said: "There were three warnings and there were 40 minutes warning on each of them - two to UTV and one to the Samaritans in Coleraine. Each time this was made clear and people talked back. The location was 300 to 400 yards from the courthouse on the main street. At no time was it said it was near the courthouse. It was a commercial target. Despite media reports it was not our intention at any time to kill any civilians. It was a commercial target, part of an ongoing war against the Brits. We offer apologies to the civilians."