Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has asked the men and women of the IRA to give their total support to democratic politics.
Speaking in Belfast in what was described as a keynote speech, he asked the IRA to become activists in a national movement towards independence and unity.
‘The way forward is by building political support for republican and democratic objectives across Ireland and by winning support for these goals internationally. I want to use this occasion therefore to appeal to the leadership of Oglaigh na hÉireann to fully embrace and accept this alternative,’ said Mr Adams.
He continued: ‘Such decisions will be far reaching and difficult. There are many problems to be resolved by the people of Ireland in the time ahead. Our struggle has reached a defining moment. I am asking you to join me in seizing this moment, to intensify our efforts, to rebuild the peace process and decisively move our struggle forward.’
The Taoiseach said Mr Adams' statement was significant and had potential, but that ultimately it could only be judged on the basis of the IRA's actions on foot of it.
The Labour leader, Pat Rabbitte, said any welcome for Gerry Adams' speech must be qualified by scepticism.
Downing St welcomes statement
A Downing Street spokesman has described Mr Adams's speech as significant and welcome.
The spokesman added that obviously the key will be what the IRA does as a result, and that it is on that that any final judgement must be made.
However, Downing Street has expressed the hope that the Adams speech represents a way forward for republicanism, pointing out that the only way forward was through exclusively peaceful and democratic means.
