The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern today warned the Belfast Agreement would be in grave danger unless multi-party talks reached agreement by February.
The Taoiseach said both the Irish and British governments believed Northern Ireland Assembly elections had to be held next year.
He told the Dail that it was difficult to reach agreement during the summer marching season, and that it would therefore be a grave mistake not to break the back of the issue by February.
Mr Ahern added that he wanted to see substantial progress on the re-establishment of the North's political institutions before Christmas, but said that this would be difficult.
He said he hoped tomorrow's multi-party talks in Belfast would crystallise key issues such as demilitarisation and the establishment of trust and confidence between parties.