Suggestions from Sinn Féin that the Taoiseach's comments on the Northern Bank raid were "electorally motivated" have been "absolutely" rejected by Mr Ahern's spokeswoman.
"I reject absolutely any assertion by Sinn Féin that the Taoiseach's comments in relation to this issue were electorally motivated," Mr Ahern's spokeswoman told The Irish Times.
"The Taoiseach has always treated the Northern Ireland peace process as one of his greatest priorities. He has devoted endless hours to this issue and has always acted honestly and honourably in his dealings with all parties."
The Government privately rejects the charge that Mr Ahern had linked Sinn Féin to the raid on the basis only of the evidence of the Chief Constable of the PSNI, Mr Hugh Orde.
Information linking the IRA to the North's biggest robbery had come equally from Garda sources.
Mr Ahern discussed the crisis in a 35-minute telephone conversation at the weekend with the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair.
Mr Ahern's spokeswoman said: "His only motivation is the security and safety of all communities in Northern Ireland. Over the coming period the Taoiseach will continue to reflect on how we can carry things forward in current circumstances."
Though Mr Ahern has not withdrawn his allegation that Mr Gerry Adams and Mr Martin McGuinness knew of the planned raid, he, nevertheless, appears keen to avoid a long-running war of words with Sinn Féin about the robbery.
His spokeswoman could not explain why police on either side of the Border should not interview Mr Adams and Mr McGuinness, because prior knowledge of the raid would make them guilty of conspiracy.
The Taoiseach will meet Mr Blair in early February, some days after he returns from leading a major Irish trade mission to China, which begins next Sunday.
"The trust between parties has been badly sundered, but everybody knows that we are all going to have to sit down with SF again in the future if this process is to be put back together," one informed source said.
