Ahern: Blair's proposals are "positive"

Ahern Warns Against Ceasefire Speculation

Mr Ahern, the current Fianna Fail opposition party leader - left on the brink of power by this month's general election advances - also confirmed he had spoken to both the British and Irish governments about the agreement they reached this week on the terrorist arms decommissioning issue.

Speaking ahead a House of Commons statement on the Ulster peace process by Tony Blair, Mr Ahern said a lot would depend on the presentation of the weapons pact document.

Of the ceasefire prospects, he said, "It would be wrong to speculate too much, but clearly opportunities are there. Prime Minister Blair has made a lot of progress. But there are still issues, such as long-term prisoners, to be resolved. There is still work to be done."

Mr Ahern, who is set to succeed John Bruton as Irish premier when the newly-elected Dublin parliament assembles for the first time on Thursday, reported "constructive discussions" with the Dublin cabinet as well as Mr Blair and Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam.

"Precisely what is going to happen today, I am not aware - how the Prime Minister will present it. We have certainly given our views, and I would feel that we have worked together on this issue. My understanding of the (decommissioning) document is that it is positive."