Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern believes the current developments in the Northern Ireland peace process could lead to a united Ireland.

In his New Year's message on Irish radio, Mr Ahern also expressed confidence that next month's deadline for the start of paramilitary decommissioning would be met.

He spelled out his hopes for the future just a month after the formation of the devolved coalition government in Belfast for the first time in 25 years.

Mr Ahern said he was pleased that the institutions set up under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement could begin work.

He added: "Then, in time, God knows what that will bring. My aspiration would still be in the longer term that we will have a united Ireland.

"I think there is a good chance that it will happen. But we should now concentrate on operating the institutions - there is a huge agenda - and not be too caught up on the aspirations of the future."

The Irish Premier also spoke confidently about decomissioning.

He said he was sure republicans and other groups involved in discussions with the body overseeing paramilitary disarmament were "conscious of their responsibilities".

"The reality of the situation now is that the republican leadership are part of the government, the Northern Ireland executive - they hold senior portfolios," he said.

"How and in what way decommissioning can be resolved, I do not know. The process is on-going and I would urge everybody concerned not to allow any of the gains made last year to slip.

"It is a tight corner, there is no doubt about that. But there is an opportunity to really make substantive progress, and I hope that nobody does anything other than help make that possible."

Mr Ahern's comments were criticised by dissident Ulster Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson, who said: "Clearly the pan-nationalist front, including the Irish government, have not changed their objective of achieving a united Ireland.

"Let me make it absolutely clear that the greater number of people in Northern Ireland have no intention of entering a united Ireland and wish to remain part of the UK.

"If mutual respect and understanding is to mean anything, then it must mean respect for the wishes of the people of Northern Ireland who have clearly expressed their desire to remain within the UK."

On New Year's Eve, First Minister David Trimble spoke of his hope that politicians would work together ensure a peaceful future for the people of Northern Ireland.

And Belfast-born President of the Irish Republic, Mary McAleese, said Ireland had witnessed the birth of an economic miracle and a remarkable dawn of peace in Northern Ireland.