Assembly elections must be held in the North before Christmas, the Taoiseach told an American university audience last night.
"Time is short and we must all act soon to get politics back on track," he told several hundred people after accepting an honorary doctorate of law degree from Fairfield University in Connecticut.
"It's crucial the election is held before Christmas," he said.
Britain has cancelled the Assembly vote until the IRA makes what it regards as detailed new peace commitments.
Mr Ahern also issued a plea to US President George Bush for the United States to remain involved in the peace process.
"I take this opportunity to ask the president and the rest of the United States to continue encouraging the parties to make the final steps toward full implementation of the Good Friday agreement," he said.