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.

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.

For over 30 years, the IRA showed that the British government could not rule Ireland on its own terms.

We think that the best way to keep calm and cool and dignified is to look at each other and talk to each other,

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.