The Taoiseach has rejected the alternative proposal for governing the North proposed by Mr Jeffrey Donaldson, and ruled out any last-minute concession on police reform to woo wavering Unionists.
Speaking in Warsaw at the end of a two-day visit to Poland, Mr Ahern said he did not wish to interfere in the internal affairs of the UUP but made it clear he did not regard the Donaldson plan as a realistic option.
"I think we all realise how difficult it is to get agreements by the governments in the first place, and with the pro-agreement parties. These are not things which can be taken up and amended willy-nilly. It has literally taken us months on end, of huge commitment and dedication by all of the parties of the pro-agreement side. I think everybody understands that," he said.
The Taoiseach condemned yesterday's murder in Belfast and said it highlighted the need for all parties to work towards the creation of "a peaceful and democratic Northern Ireland".
Praising the leadership of Mr David Trimble, the Taoiseach said he looked forward to working with the UUP leader in implementing the agreement for the benefit of the entire island.
"I think that what we have to do is focus on what the two governments put to the pro-agreement parties. It was a realistic way of moving forward. I want to say nothing about the internal workings of any party, but I do think that these proposals carry with them the opportunities that we can work in a period of confidence," he said.
Mr Ahern said that the governments would work to restore the devolved institutions if the present impasse is resolved. But he offered no comfort to UUP members who hope there may be some further room for movement on the reform of policing in the North.
"I think it is quite clear that there is no movement," he said.
