6 April 2006
Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern have unveiled their plans for securing devolved government for Northern Ireland.
In a joint statement, the leaders outlined a two-phase approach aimed at restoring political institutions which have been suspended since October 2002.
They gave Northern Ireland politicians a deadline of 24 November to reach a deal.
The Assembly at Stormont will be recalled on 15 May and given six weeks to form an inclusive executive.
If that fails, the province’s 108 members would be given a further 12 weeks after the summer recess - until November - to try and form a multi-party devolved government.
Mr Blair told journalists in Armagh that the time had come to make the "ultimate decision".
"We have the responsibility to decide over the next nine months how we can make the future work.
"This is a framework that only works if the parties choose to use it for proof of good faith."
Mr Blair and Irish Taoiseach Ahern are meeting church leaders and business representatives to brief them on their plans.
Devolved government at Stormont was suspended in October 2002 following spying allegations.
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