At that time, the army leadership said the implementation of this agreement would allow everyone, including the IRA, to take its political objectives forward by peaceful and democratic means.

The way forward is by building political support for republican and democratic objectives across Ireland and by winning support for these goals internationally.

Well, even if it should, and I certainly want to see an end to the IRA and an end to all of the armed groups, simply saying it and demanding it isn't going to achieve it. You have to look at what has worked. What hasn't worked is marginalizing people, demonizing people, criminalizing people, repressing people, fighting with people,

There is no evidence to back that up. And, on the contrary, the IRA, in a number of high-profile statements, have made it very, very clear that people should not be intimidated.

I think the best way for the IRA to leave the stage, ... is in a dignified manner that prevents any recurrence of another IRA growing up alongside.

Sinn Fein has the potential and capacity to become the vehicle for the attainment of republican objectives.