Adams calls on IRA to disband
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams today called on the IRA to abandon armed struggle and embrace “purely political and democratic” activity.
He admitted that “such truly historic” decisions would take time and a long process of consultation within the IRA, but asked that this be started as soon as possible.
Speaking in Belfast, Mr Adams said he wanted to speak directly to the volunteer soldiers of the IRA.
He praised them for stepping into “the gap of danger” and facing down the British, and insisted that the peace process had foundered because of “unionist intransigence” and the British and Irish governments reneging on promises they made – not because of IRA failings.
“Your determination, selflessness and courage have brought the freedom struggle towards its fulfilment,” he said.
But that struggle could now be taken forward by other means, Mr Adams insisted.
“In the past I have defended the right of the IRA to engage in armed struggle. I did so because there was no alternative for those who would not bend the knee, or turn a blind eye to oppression, or for those who wanted a national republic. Now, there is an alternative.
“The way forward is by building political support for republican and democratic objectives across Ireland and by winning support for these goals internationally.”
Mr Adams said Sinn Fein could become the vehicle for the attainment of republican objectives, and asked the IRA to join him in “seizing this moment, to intensify our efforts, to rebuild the peace process and decisively move our struggle forward”.
He said: “Can you take courageous initiatives which will achieve your aims by purely political and democratic activity?
“I know full well that such truly historic decisions can only be taken in the aftermath of intense internal consultation. I ask that you initiate this as quickly as possible.”
David Lidington, Shadow Secretary for Northern Ireland, said that actions rather than words were needed for trust to be restored in the Republican movement.
He said: “Trust can only be built on actions, not just words. People need to see evidence that the Republican Movement has changed for good. That means an end to Republican involvement in crime. It means Sinn Fein should support the police. It means the end of the IRA as an active paramilitary organisation and the decommissioning of illegally held guns and explosives.”
