Sinn Féin's chief negotiator, Mr Martin McGuinness, has said that even if the British government called autumn elections there was no guarantee that the IRA would respond positively.
Mr McGuinness yesterday attempted to dampen speculation of an imminent political breakthrough prompted by a secret meeting between Sinn Féin and the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, last week and a subsequent publicised meeting with the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern.
While the calling of a summit between Mr Ahern and Mr Blair at Chequers on Saturday to assess the prospects for autumn assembly elections only served to heighten that speculation, Mr McGuinness was adamant that elections need not necessarily lead to a positive IRA response.
"This is a sobering thought for people, but even with an election there is no guarantee of initiatives from republicans," he said at a Belfast press conference.
Equally, however, Mr McGuinness hinted that the republicans could respond positively. "It is absolutely preferable that we see a collaborative, co-operative approach in the course of the coming period.
"The Sinn Féin leadership has never been found wanting in our contribution towards ensuring the peace process continues," he added.
He would not disclose what unfolded at his and Mr Gerry Adams's secret meeting with Mr Blair last week, apart from stating that there has been continuing high-level contact between Sinn Féin and the governments aimed at restoring devolution.
"The Sinn Féin leadership has not been sitting on its hands over the summer.
"We have been in contact at the very highest level with the both the British and Irish governments, and we have been in contact with the US administration," he said.
The UK Unionist Party leader, Mr Robert McCartney, said the meeting between Sinn Féin and Mr Blair indicated that the unionist people were about to become victims of an "orchestrated confidence trick" by the Prime Minister and Mr Trimble.
"The formula is well tried," said Mr McCartney.
"Blair concocts a deal for which he first seeks Sinn Féin-IRA approval. He then announces it either as a declaration or a piece of legislation.
"The IRA then offers public compliance in the form of a decommissioning charade and an acceptable form of words and, finally, the compliant Trimble declares his acceptance.
"When are the Ulster Unionists going to learn, or are they so besotted with pay and perks that nothing else matters," said Mr McCartney.
