The Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister will decide later this week if they are to get directly involved with efforts to restore devolved government in the North.
Speaking in Belfast this evening, the Northern Secretary, Paul Murphy, said the two leaders will review developments when they meet at the Brussels Summit tomorrow night and on Friday.
One possibility is that Mr Ahern and Mr Blair would meet with leaders from the North's parties late next week.
However, they are only willing to call such discussions if they believe substantial progress is possible.
