  The construction of auxiliary matrices for the six-vertex model at a root of
unity is investigated from a quantum group theoretic point of view. Employing
the concept of intertwiners associated with the quantum loop algebra
$U_q(\tilde{sl}_2)$ at $q^N=1$ a three parameter family of auxiliary matrices
is constructed. The elements of this family satisfy a functional relation with
the transfer matrix allowing one to solve the eigenvalue problem of the model
and to derive the Bethe ansatz equations. This functional relation is obtained
from the decomposition of a tensor product of evaluation representations and
involves auxiliary matrices with different parameters. Because of this
dependence on additional parameters the auxiliary matrices break in general the
finite symmetries of the six-vertex model, such as spin-reversal or spin
conservation. More importantly, they also lift the extra degeneracies of the
transfer matrix due to the loop symmetry present at rational coupling values.
The extra parameters in the auxiliary matrices are shown to be directly related
to the elements in the enlarged center of the quantum loop algebra
$U_q(\tilde{sl}_2)$ at $q^N=1$. This connection provides a geometric
interpretation of the enhanced symmetry of the six-vertex model at rational
coupling. The parameters labelling the auxiliary matrices can be interpreted as
coordinates on a three-dimensional complex hypersurface which remains invariant
under the action of an infinite-dimensional group of analytic transformations,
called the quantum coadjoint action.
