Ahern and Blair emerge from meeting

The Taoiseach has said an absence of trust and confidence led to the suspension of the Northern Assembly elections.

Speaking after a meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in Dublin, Mr Ahern said the parties in Northern Ireland need to give each other assurances if progress is to be made.

British Prime Minister Blair said there was a need to continue the work which had been done in the process.

"What we have achieved in Northern Ireland is precious and too precious to lose," said Mr Blair.