For Immediate Release: 26/04/05
Gerry Adams gets confirmation that IRA leadership
has authorised discussion on initiative
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams tonight revealed that he has received
confirmation from the IRA leadership that a discussion on his April 6th
initiative has been authorised by it. Mr Adams said:
"For the past four months the peace process has been in free fall. On April
6th, in an attempt to prevent this backward slide, I made a direct appeal to
the men and women of the IRA to commit themselves to purely political and
democratic activity.
"Clearly such a momentous decision requires the widest possible consultation
and debate within the IRA. In my April 6th speech I asked that
organisation to initiate this as quickly as possible.
" In response the IRA leadership said it would respond to my appeal in due
course. I have now received confirmation from the IRA leadership that a
discussion on my appeal has been authorised by it.
"I am confidant that the IRA will take this debate forward with all the
seriousness that it deserves.
"I firmly believe that the way forward is by building political support for
republican and democratic objectives across Ireland and internationally.
Irish republicanism is at a defining point. The peace process is at a
defining point.
"A positive decision by the IRA at the end of its internal deliberations
will have enormous significance and impact. It has the potential to halt the
downward spiral in the peace process and to strengthen our ability to
advance our republican objectives." ENDS
