Menu
14/08/2001
IRA statement met with widespread dismay
News that the IRA have withdrawn their commitment to disarm has been met with grim resignation by political figures and establishments in the north.
Speaking at Hillsborough Castle on Tuesday afternoon, Secretary of State Dr John Reid said he was disappointed by the IRA announcement to withdraw their agreed proposal made to the International Independent Commission on Decommissioning.
He said: “I'm afraid that withdrawing from an agreement which took two years to arrive at, only five days after the republicans declared it as historic, can only play into the hands of those sceptics who have always doubted their intentions.
“It will, I believe, together with today's news reports from Colombia, disappoint many people, not only here at home, but in the international community.”
Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said that while he was “disappointed” by the IRA statement the two governments would continue with efforts to secure full implementation of the Agreement.
The Ulster Unionist party branded the IRA statement as a short-term manoeuvring step by republicans. Michael McGimpsey said the move sought to “unnerve” the British Government and force an Assembly election. He said that the Secretary of State must respond in a very clear and principled manner and must not allow himself to be knocked off balance.
Meanwhile Sinn Féin, who expressed outrage at the option to suspend the assembly for the weekend, claimed republicans had not disengaged from the peace process.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Mitchell McLoughlin called on the government to give republicans some positive political developments to respond to, rather than the negative signal sent by the one-day suspension. He said: “It is logical that the IRA will respond to political failure.”
Peter Robinson, deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, said: "The IRA have no intention of completing verifiable decommissioning. It is simply a case of using words to gain more from the government. Tony Blair must now take everything off the table that has been offered to the IRA.”
Meanwhile the SDLP said they found the IRA statement “very strange” as it played “straight into the hands of the anti-Agreement parties” and called on the IRA to “immediately withdraw it”. (AMcE)
Speaking at Hillsborough Castle on Tuesday afternoon, Secretary of State Dr John Reid said he was disappointed by the IRA announcement to withdraw their agreed proposal made to the International Independent Commission on Decommissioning.
He said: “I'm afraid that withdrawing from an agreement which took two years to arrive at, only five days after the republicans declared it as historic, can only play into the hands of those sceptics who have always doubted their intentions.
“It will, I believe, together with today's news reports from Colombia, disappoint many people, not only here at home, but in the international community.”
Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said that while he was “disappointed” by the IRA statement the two governments would continue with efforts to secure full implementation of the Agreement.
The Ulster Unionist party branded the IRA statement as a short-term manoeuvring step by republicans. Michael McGimpsey said the move sought to “unnerve” the British Government and force an Assembly election. He said that the Secretary of State must respond in a very clear and principled manner and must not allow himself to be knocked off balance.
Meanwhile Sinn Féin, who expressed outrage at the option to suspend the assembly for the weekend, claimed republicans had not disengaged from the peace process.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Mitchell McLoughlin called on the government to give republicans some positive political developments to respond to, rather than the negative signal sent by the one-day suspension. He said: “It is logical that the IRA will respond to political failure.”
Peter Robinson, deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, said: "The IRA have no intention of completing verifiable decommissioning. It is simply a case of using words to gain more from the government. Tony Blair must now take everything off the table that has been offered to the IRA.”
Meanwhile the SDLP said they found the IRA statement “very strange” as it played “straight into the hands of the anti-Agreement parties” and called on the IRA to “immediately withdraw it”. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
18 April 2003
Adams claims IRA response is ‘unparalleled’
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has told a meeting of party members that the IRA statement issued to the British and Irish governments contained elements that were “unparalleled” in republican history. Mr Adams attending a meeting held in a Newry hotel maintained that the IRA statement was both “clear and unambiguous”.
Adams claims IRA response is ‘unparalleled’
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has told a meeting of party members that the IRA statement issued to the British and Irish governments contained elements that were “unparalleled” in republican history. Mr Adams attending a meeting held in a Newry hotel maintained that the IRA statement was both “clear and unambiguous”.
06 May 2003
Empey challenges DUP to publish alternative proposals
Former Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey has challenged the DUP to publish their detailed proposals for ‘A Fair Deal’. In a statement, the UUP councillor said that now the Joint Declaration had been published - and with an IRA statement imminent - the time was right to see what alternatives the DUP could offer.
Empey challenges DUP to publish alternative proposals
Former Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey has challenged the DUP to publish their detailed proposals for ‘A Fair Deal’. In a statement, the UUP councillor said that now the Joint Declaration had been published - and with an IRA statement imminent - the time was right to see what alternatives the DUP could offer.
30 October 2003
McGimpsey hits out at IRA criticism
Leading Ulster Unionist representative Michael McGimpsey has reiterated that Republicans were aware of the need for transparency in the weapons decommissioning process. His comments follow a statement from the IRA in which it said it would not be involved in further decommissioning because of the breakdown of last week's agreement.
McGimpsey hits out at IRA criticism
Leading Ulster Unionist representative Michael McGimpsey has reiterated that Republicans were aware of the need for transparency in the weapons decommissioning process. His comments follow a statement from the IRA in which it said it would not be involved in further decommissioning because of the breakdown of last week's agreement.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
