The IRA was under intense pressure tonight to end all paramilitary activity as Northern Ireland's Assembly and power sharing institutions prepared to make way for the return of direct rule from Westminster.
As the clock ticked towards the suspension of devolution at midnight, republicans were told in no uncertain terms by the British and Irish Governments there needed to be an "unambiguous commitment to peace" if power sharing was to be restored.
British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair and the Toaiseach, Mr Ahern acknowledged "trust" between the Northern Ireland parties had been damaged and had to be repaired.
Earlier Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid expressed regret at having to suspend the political institutions to save the Agreement.
Dr Reid introduced two new Northern Ireland Office ministers from Westminster - Ms Angela Smith and Mr Ian Pearson - who along with junior ministers Mr Des Browne and Ms Jane Kennedy will take over the running the ten Stormont Executive departments.
Insisting the suspension of devolution did not mean an end to the Agreement, he said: "I regret very much that we have to take those powers and we will do everything possible to make sure that power-sharing, the devolved Assembly and Executive is up and running as soon as possible."
Ulster Unionist leader Mr David Trimble, who will be stripped of his powers as First Minister, was philosophical - insisting if future talks dealt with the underlying problem of paramilitarism that would be "a good thing" for the process.
Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan called for all outstanding issues under the Agreement to be addressed in talks. These included paramilitary activity and how policing and criminal justice powers would be transferred to the Assembly in the future.
PA