The Taoiseach and British Prime Minister have chosen an old Norman stronghold rich in British royal symbolism for talks designed to restore the Northern executive and Assembly.
Mr Ahern and Mr Tony Blair are due to join Northern politicians such as Mr Gerry Adams, the Rev Ian Paisley, Mr David Trimble and Mr Mark Durkan for intensive negotiations in mid-September at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, Kent, in southern England.
For three days, from September 16th to 18th, a Thursday to a Saturday, the governments and the parties will attempt to strike an agreement that, if it is to succeed, must ensure an end to paramilitarism and unionist guarantees that they will share power with nationalists.
Just as the last such endeavour three years ago was held in the stately home of Weston Park on the border of Shropshire and Staffordshire - reputedly the model for P.G. Wodehouse's Blandings Castle - the governments have opted for another of England's grandest and most historic buildings.
It was originally the site of a manor of the royal Saxon family. It became a Norman stronghold, later a British royal palace and was for 300 years the home of the kings and queens of England. It is mentioned in the 11th-century Domesday Book which assessed the extent of the land and resources of England.
Edward I, Edward III, Richard II and Henry V all held court at Leeds Castle. Henry VIII, according to a spokeswoman for Leeds Castle, which is now in public hands, was responsible for "much of the castle's splendour, and he spent lavishly to transform the castle from a rugged fortress into a Royal palace".
"Lady Baillie bought Leeds Castle in 1926, and devoted almost half a century to restoring its fabric and furnishings, leaving her much-loved home to the nation in perpetuity in 1974. Today, the castle and its 500 acres of beautiful parkland are run by the Leeds Castle Foundation, a charitable trust which offers support to the arts and medical science," she explained.
These talks are being held at Leeds Castle to try to create the "hot-house" negotiating atmosphere that might lead to agreement. The governments also hope that bringing the parties away from Northern Ireland will free them from local pressures and make it easier for them to reach a deal.
Leeds Castle is also surrounded by a lake, which will make it difficult for reporters to gain proper access to the negotiations.
The British royal resonance attaching to Leeds Castle poses no difficulties for Sinn Féin, according to a spokesman. "It does not matter where the location is," he said. "The priority for Sinn Féin is engagement with the two governments and all the parties to lay the groundwork that will improve the likelihood of a breakthrough in September."
Mr Ahern and Mr Blair have let it be known to the parties through officials and ministers that they should seize this opportunity to restore devolution. In particular they have been trying to impress upon the main parties, Sinn Féin and the DUP, that it will be difficult for Mr Blair, who could face a general election next year, and Mr Ahern again to dedicate such time to trying to reach agreement.
Work is also continuing behind the scenes to ensure that the remainder of the marching season does not jeopardise the prospects of the talks. The trouble at Ardoyne on July 12th triggered intense nationalist anger and there are concerns that an Apprentice Boys parade on the morning of August 15th could also result in violence.
Much of the nationalist anger was vented against loyalist supporters who paraded past Ardoyne after the Orange parade on July 12th.
Now the Northern Secretary, Mr Paul Murphy, has indicated that he may strengthen parades legislation so that restrictions on parades will also apply to supporters.
"I hope enough can be done between now and August 15th to repair the damage caused by Ardoyne," said one official source yesterday.
