The referendum on the Lisbon Treaty is more likely to take place in late May than after the summer, according to reliable Government sources.
The timing of the referendum is expected to be discussed at the Cabinet meeting tomorrow but no decision or announcement is expected this week.
However, sources said there is a hardening view within Government that the referendum needs to be held before the summer, although one or two Ministers prefer a date in October.
The Taoiseach intimated at the Forum on Europe that his preference was for an early referendum. The Government is still working on the basis that Fine Gael can be brought on board and that some accommodation can be reached over the holding of a "minimalist child referendum" on the same day.
There is also real concern in Government circles about the large percentage of undecided voters as was identified in the recent Irish Times/TNS mrbi opinion poll. "People do not know the issues. I think we realise that there is a huge information gap that needs to be filled," said one source.
Yesterday, Fine Gael foreign affairs spokesman Billy Timmins TD urged the Taoiseach to set a date. "Knowing the Taoiseach, he almost certainly has a firm date in mind. The very future of the European Union depends on the outcome of the Irish referendum," said Mr Timmins. "Yet public understanding of the issues involved is not widespread. By delaying this issue there will not be enough time for the public to get proper information on the treaty."
Fine Gael TD Simon Coveney said last night that he would be opposed to Mr Ahern being offered the new post of chairman of the Council of Europe if he fails to deal satisfactorily with his tax issues or clear any remaining ambiguity in relation to his evidence to the Mahon tribunal.
Mr Coveney said: "I think Bertie Ahern has to show that he is someone who is suitable for that job and he needs to show that he hasn't been dishonest . . ."