Blair and Ahern To meet at Downing Street
The talks will involve the British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the Northern Secretary Paul Murphy, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen and the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio, Bertie Ahern said the summit would take stock of recent talks between pro-Agreement parties, with a view to holding fresh Assembly elections.
Talks last night between the Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams, and the Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble, ended without any sign of a breakthrough on a deal to restore devolution.
The talks in Belfast were the latest in a series between the two leaders as the deadline approaches for the calling of an Assembly election in mid-November.
On the topic of the economy, Bertie Ahern said that due to the international downturn things were slower than a few years ago, and he forecast more difficulties next year.
