The Government may hold official talks with Sinn Féin shortly – the first time since January, Bertie Ahern told the Dáil today.
Mr Ahern said that he believed the internal debate within the IRA to embrace politics was being conducted on an all-Ireland basis and was very significant.
Responding to questions by Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, Mr Ahern said: “I’m sure I’ll be meeting Sinn Féin on a formal basis shortly. (But) I haven’t a date on that.”
The Government has refused to meet the party since its last meeting in Dublin on January 25 following the £26.5m (€38m) Northern Bank robbery.
On that occasion Mr Ahern issued a blunt warning to the party that it must end its links to crime and violence if it wanted to stay a player in peace process negotiations.
Mr Ahern was speaking as it emerged that Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams met former United States president Bill Clinton for hour-long talks in Dublin this morning.
A party spokesperson said: “Both discussed events in the peace process. Mr Adams has kept in close contact with Mr Clinton since he left office.”
Mr Ahern also told the Dáil today that a positive outcome to the IRA’s internal discussions was the only way to achieve progress in the current stalemate.
“It is my view that the process of dialogue and discussion going on at present is important. It is of major importance because the answer to these issues – if positive – is the only way I can see us of getting back into the position of building the trust and confidence and moving forward.
“I do think it is a very important and very significant debate. I’m glad there is engagement going on all over the island.
“The quality and clarity of the reply is what I have turned my mind to rather than if it takes one week or two weeks or a month.”
He said he had a different view form Minister for Justice Michael McDowell who suggested that Sinn Féin should take up its seats in the British parliament at Westminster.
Mr Ahern said that how the party uses its seats in Westminster “is totally a matter for Sinn Féin”.