The newly appointed Northern Ireland Secretary, Peter Hain, has been speaking to political leaders ahead of meetings in Belfast tomorrow.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, spoke by telephone with Mr Hain last night and stressed the need for an early meeting with him.
Mr Hain has also had telephone conversations with the DUP leader, Ian Paisley, and with the Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams, as part of a process by the British government aimed at restoring the Assembly.
The former Leader of the House of Commons was appointed in a British cabinet reshuffle after the Westminster elections.
He said he believed that with goodwill and effort on all sides it would be possible to restore the Assembly to Northern Ireland.
Mr Hain will continue to hold the portfolio of Secretary of State for Wales. He said he would be giving 100% to his new job.
The DUP has said the dual portfolio means the job of Northern Ireland Secretary is being downgraded.
