The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has cast doubt on an agreement being reached on paramilitary decommissioning, demilitarisation and policing in Northern Ireland ahead of the British general election.
Following talks in Government Buildings with the Swedish Prime Minister, Mr Goran Persson, Mr Ahern indicated that temporary arrangements might have to be put in place to deal with the situation over the next six months. "I think we are in a difficult position," he said.
Clearly pessimistic, Mr Ahern said talks would be held this week with all of the North's party leaders and by telephone with the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, to find a way through the impasse.
A decision on whether to hold the North/South Ministerial Council meeting, scheduled for Armagh on Friday, will be taken either today or tomorrow, Government sources said last night. However, a postponement is likely.
"For our part, over the weekend and over this week, we will be closely in touch with all the other parties and with Prime Minister Tony Blair to see what we can do if it is not possible to get the comprehensive agreement," Mr Ahern said.
Last night, a Government source insisted an agreement was still possible.
Paul Tanney, in Belfast writes Sinn Fein chairman Mr Mitchel McLaughlin said he believes there will be no breakthrough until after the British election. He said he came to this conclusion because the British government seemed unwilling to concede to demands made by his party and the SDLP, particularly on police reform.
