The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, gave a downbeat assessment today of prospects for ending a stalemate in the peace process.
Mr Ahern, who less than a month ago said he thought the IRA was on the verge of renouncing violence, said he now thought no breakthrough was imminent.
Mr Ahern's comments came as a deadline approached for calling fresh elections to get the Stormont Assembly running again.
The elections must be called by Wednesday if they are to be held on November 13th, generally regarded as the last possible time to hold them this year.
Mr Ahern said that while he thought there had not been sufficient progress on the key issues separating unionists and republicans, who want the north to unite with the republic, he was still inclined to go ahead with the vote. "As a democrat...I would still rather see elections held," he said.
Talks continued today between Sinn Fein president Mr Gerry Adams and Ulster Unionist Party leader Mr David Trimble in an attempt to try to bridge the differences between the two sides.
US President George Bush's special envoy Mr Richard Haass is also due in Belfast on Monday to lend support.