Bertie Ahern ,"Time for democratic politics to be allowed to function"
Michael Noonan, Looks forward to similar moves from Loyalist paramilitaries
The Taoiseach has welcomed the "positive report" from General John de Chastelain. Bertie Ahern said that the IICD had confirmed that they had now witnessed a "significant" event in which the IRA had put a quantity of arms, ammunition, and explosives completely beyond use.
Mr Ahern said that this represented "unprecedented progress" in the resolution of the arms issue. Speaking to journalists, Mr Ahern paid tribute to all those who had helped to bring about today's development.
The Taoiseach said he knew it meant a lot to the leadership of the IRA and that it had not been an easy decision for them. He said that an enormous amount of work remained to be done and that it was now time for democratic politics to be allowed to function.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs described the IICD and IRA statements as "historic". Brian Cowen said that they herald a new era in the history of this island. Mr Cowen said that it was a moment for political leaders to be responsive and generous. He added that the reaction to decommissioning will be as important as decommissioning itself.
In other Irish political reaction, the Fine Gael leader has said that he recognises the historic significance of today's development, in particular the reference in the IRA statement that they have taken these steps to save the peace process and persuade others of their genuine intentions. Michael Noonan said he now looks forward to similar moves by the Loyalist paramilitaries.
Meanwhile, the Green Party leader has given a "guarded welcome" to the IRA statement. Trevor Sargent TD said any move on decommissioning would have to be a welcome move but he said there was now a pressing need to deliver on the expectations that have been created.
Speaking earlier, Albert Reynolds described today's IRA decommissioning statement as an "historic decision". One of the chief architects of the Northern peace process, the former Taoiseach said that he always believed it would happen.
"We will have to wait and see the detail, but I believe they (the IRA) will decommission now they have crossed the Rubicon," said Mr Reynolds.
