A major Anglo-Irish rift is looming following last night's warning by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, that he intends to publish evidence in support of the government's demand for a fresh inquiry into the events of Bloody Sunday.
In a dramatic intervention into the controversy, Mr Ahern told a Fianna Fail dinner in Dublin that the issue could not indefinitely be considered "behind closed doors".
He said that, whatever the British government's verdict on the review of the evidence supplied by the previous Irish government, he would publish it early in the New Year.
Amid growing signs of British government resistance to demands for a fresh, independent inquiry - as reported in yesterday's Irish Times - Mr Ahern said: "We have given the British government a great deal of time and space in which to consider this matter. But this matter cannot be conducted behind closed doors for ever. And whatever that decision, [by the British] it would be my intention to publish that report in the early months of next year so that public opinion in this country and in Britain and elsewhere can judge for itself what is the next appropriate step."
The Taoiseach's direct and outspoken comments were being interpreted last night as confirmation of mounting frustration in Dublin following reports that the Ministry of Defence in London has effectively checked the earlier enthusiasm of the Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, for at least a limited "review" of the evidence which would clear the way for a formal British government apology.
Mr Ahern's intervention was the more striking, coming just 24 hours after Mr Blair's insistence in the House of Commons that "no options have been ruled out" in London's ongoing examination of the Irish Government's assessment of the evidence about the events of January 30th, 1972, in which 14 people were killed in highly controversial and still disputed circumstances.
Answering a Commons question from the SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, on Wednesday, Mr Blair said: "The government recognises the pain and distress of the events of January 30th, 1972, and recognises, what's more, that they're still there after 25 years or more. There has been material submitted by the relatives, and by the Irish Government. It is extensive and it is detailed. We will consider it fully and it is being examined by officials now. No options have been ruled out but all the material must be fully examined first. When it has been fully examined and conclusions reached we will announce them."
However, the Taoiseach's comments last night at Fianna Fail's annual President's dinner - heard by a delegation from Derry - clearly reflected the mounting suspicion that London is set to reject demands for a new inquiry.
Senior Labour Party sources in London last month appeared confident that Dr Mowlam would announce at least a "paper review" of the evidence - possibly conducted by a small panel headed by a prominent member of the Bar - which they believed would inevitably lead to an apology. But against the expectation of such a development this month, it emerged that the British response was likely to be delayed until sometime in the New Year.
By threatening to appeal to the wider court of British, Irish and international opinion, Mr Ahern has dramatically increased the pressure on Mr Blair, as Labour activists and Mr Hume seek the support of potentially 100 Labour MPs for the demand for a new inquiry.