The Taoiseach and the Northern Secretary met in Cardiff today to discuss matters relating to Assembly elections, scheduled for 7 March.
Mr Ahern and Peter Hain were in Cardiff for the Six Nations rugby challenge between Ireland and Wales.
The Taoiseach said recent events, such as Sinn Fein's endorsement of policing, offered hope for the future.
Mr Hain said the path to power-sharing would not be easy but the conditions are in place for stable government with support for policing and the rule of law.
