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,

Gerry Adams

Gerry Adams

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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.

— Gerry Adams

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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.

— Gerry Adams

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

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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.

— Gerry Adams

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In the past I have defended the right of the IRA to engage in armed struggle. I did so because there was no alternative for those who would not bend the knee, or turn a blind eye to oppression, or for those who wanted a national republic.

— Gerry Adams

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