Ahern reiterates his belief in IRA pledge
Sunday, 31 July 2005 21:53
An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has reiterated that he believes the IRA is committed to totally ending its campaign of violence.
Three days after the IRA announced it has ended its armed campaign, Mr Ahern said the process of verification will prove whether or not the organisation is committed to peace.
Speaking on RTÉ's This Week programme, Mr Ahern also said the IRA will have to change its status so it will cease to be an illegal organisation facing sanctions from the law.
He said he was prepared to believe that the IRA move, if followed by necessary action, does offer a sign that the Provisional IRA has come around to a peaceful analysis.
Mr Ahern also said the campaign for justice by the family of the murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney still has his full support.
Meanwhile, Pope Benedict XVI has welcomed the IRA decision to end its 35-year paramilitary campaign against British rule in Northern Ireland.
Speaking to crowds after his weekly Angelus blessing at his lakeside summer residence outside Rome, the pope called on all sides to take further steps for peace.
Poll shows public response
A newspaper opinion poll has suggested that many people are sceptical about aspects of the IRA's announcement.
87% of respondents to the Sunday Independent telephone poll said they do not believe the IRA has ended criminal activity such as smuggling and diesel laundering.
A majority, 63%, said they thought the statement signified an end to the IRA's war.
51% believe the organisation will verifiably decommission all weapons.
Over 80% of respondents said the statement would not bring an end to IRA community policing.
- This Week: President of Republican Sinn Féin Ruairí Ó Brádaigh argues there will always be resistance as long as the British govt remains in Northern Ireland
- This Week: Redemptorist priest Fr Alex Reid, who helped broker peace talks as far back as the 1970s, says the IRA statement is unparalleled
- This Week: Tommie Gorman, Northern Editor, talks to Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain about the political process now decommissioning has been assured
- This Week: Taoiseach Bertie Ahern gives his reaction to this week's historic statement from the IRA
- Nine News: Tommie Gorman, Northern Editor, reports on efforts to restore a power-sharing administration in the North
- Nine News: Tommie Gorman, Northern Editor, reports on efforts to restore a power-sharing administration in the North
- Nine News: David McCullagh, Political Correspondent, reports as An Taoiseach comments on the IRA statement
- Nine News: David McCullagh, Political Correspondent, reports as An Taoiseach comments on the IRA statement
- Six One News: Tommie Gorman, Northern Editor, reports on hopes of restoring a power-sharing administration in Northern Ireland
- Six One News: David McCullagh, Political Correspondent, reports on comments made by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern
