The Government has urged the SDLP and Sinn Fein to join the Northern Ireland Policing Board, following the publication yesterday of proposals to reform the RUC.
The decision marks a significant change in the Government's attitude to police reform, since it has, up to now, often been doubtful about British intentions in the area.
During 45 minutes of talks in Government Buildings on Wednesday, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, is believed to have pressured the SDLP Leader, Mr John Hume, to support the proposals.
The plan was "an important part of the process of realising the Patten report's vision of an inclusive, representative and accountable police service for all the people of Northern Ireland," he said.
The package has been the subject of negotiations between Irish and British officials before, and after the talks in Weston Park in England last month.
"We understand that policing continues to be a difficult issue for many people. However, we believe that a basis now exists for realising the new beginning in policing envisaged in the Good Friday agreement," said Mr Ahern.
Highlighting improvements in the legislation, Irish sources pointed to arrangements for local policing partnership boards and extra investigation powers for the Police Ombudsman, among other issues.
Hoping for a softening of the SDLP's position, Government sources said they were convinced other parties would see the merit of the package after they had had time to examine it.
"The Government believe that the implementation plan, taken together with the proposals in the governments' package, including the review of policing arrangements which the oversight commissioner will undertake in the coming year, and the British government's commitment to introduce new legislation, when fully implemented, can comprehensively deliver the spirit and substance of the Patten report.
"In this context the Government urges all parties to give the most careful and positive consideration to nominating members to the policing board," Mr Ahern said.
