The British and Irish premiers have expressed cautious optimism that devolution can be restored to Northern Ireland.

The assembly and its power sharing executive currently  remain suspended amid continuing disputes over paramilitary decommissioning.

But following a meeting with Tony Blair in Dublin on Sunday, the Taoiseach indicated that progress was being made in talks that are due to continue this week.

"We are determined to achieve a basis for the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland as soon as possible," said Bertie Ahern.

"It is our assured sense that an outcome can be achieved that will allow restoration of these arrangements."

He added that the two governments were working on a "road map" for putting the peace process back on track.

Tony Blair said that all parties would have to engage with the talks process for it to be successful.

"We can only do so much. We need a real willingness from the parties to put themselves on the line and step up to the mark," he said.

"If people can come together with good will I think we will find a way forward, certainly we will carry on struggling to do so."

While June's European elections may make negotiation harder in the short term, the two leaders hope that intensive talks will begin before the summer.