The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said today he was ready to move into a review of the Belfast Agreement but that would not amount to a renegotiation of the peace deal.
Mr Ahern and the British prime minister, Mr Blair, met in Cardiff today for around 45 minutes for talks which were described as very productive by aides.
They are expected to meet with the North's parties early next week.
"We now have to find the path ahead," the Taoiseach said following the meeting. "The principles and the value of the Good Friday Agreement do not change.
"This is an international agreement. It is not open for re-negotiation. It is a registered international agreement. People have decided that and they are not going to change that. But it is open for review and that review will shortly be put out for consultation once the elections are over."
Those who have done best in the elections "will carry most of the responsibilities and the pressure" in finding the way ahead, he added.
He said this evening he will begin the formal review of the Belfast Agreement next week, but insisted it would not be a renegotiation of the deal.
It is understood Mr Ahern and Mr Blair discussed the immediate prospects for political development in Northern Ireland as results from later counts are declared throughout the morning.
Mr Blair and Mr Ahern were in Cardiff for a scheduled meeting of the British-Irish Council.