The Government insisted tonight it would not pander to the demands of any single party ahead of the restoration of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland.
After discussions with a Sinn Fein delegation, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said the onus was on all parties to engage with each other rather than to shadow box.
As speculation grew that options for a shadow assembly had been tabled, Mr Ahern revealed the two governments were considering a range of ideas to move things forward.
"There will be no pandering to anyone, but we are looking at options to try in effect to bring things to a head," he said.
"While all the parties will blame the two governments for not doing something, ultimately if we do not have co-operation from all parties it leaves us in a very difficult state."
While Government sources insist London and Dublin have yet to agree the exact shape of proposals for a Shadow Assembly, it is suspected they involve the 108 Assembly Members returning to a debating chamber or possibly scrutinising the work of British ministers through committees.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said his party had very grave concerns about the proposals, insisting it was not up for discussion.
"We ruled that out very, very firmly," Mr Adams said. "We ruled it out because it won't work. It is a sop to the DUP and what we need to do is to move forward on the basis of the agreement and get the institutions back in place."
"And if that doesn't happen, move ahead anyway making as much progress as the governments are capable of making on all the other issues," he added.
PA