Irish Republican News · October 1, 2005

What they said

Reaction to the announcement on IRA arms was swift and varied.

 

“The commission has determined the IRA has met its commitment to put all its arms beyond use in a manner called for by legislation.”

IICD head General John de Chastelain

 

“Many believed that this day would never come. Many would say that this should have happened a long time ago but it has now come about. We are enormously relieved that we can finally close this difficult chapter of the peace process.”

Bertie Ahern

 

“It has taken many years, and a lot of hard work, but every minute of every hour of every all-night negotiation will have been worth it if it brings lasting peace to Northern Ireland,” he said.

British Prime Minister, Tony Blair

 

“The more spotlight is put on this, the more we discover there is a cover-up.”

DUP leader Ian Paisley

 

“Unfortunately the IRA’s move will be viewed with suspicion within the unionist community.. The UDA and UVF will make their minds up in their own time.”

The PUP’s Hugh Smyth

 

“It is imperative that not only arms are decommissioned but that the dismantling of the republican movement’s criminal empire is also completed”.

UUP leader Reg Empey

 

“I await the views of the IMC over the next number of months. I think we have to await their verdict on the matter.”

26-County Justice Minister, Michael McDowell

 

“We have to give Ian Paisley and the DUP space to come to terms with the dramatic shift in the situation here; but come to terms with it they will certainly have to.”

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness

 

“The DUP must not get away with holding back progress now. We have to get politics working again without delay.”

SDLP leader Mark Durkan

 

“It’s not the last step but it’s a very significant one and hopefully all the parties will move forward”.

Former US envoy to Ireland, George Mitchell

 

“The betrayal of the republican cause by the Provisional movement will not end with the destruction of arms at the behest of the British government. They will be required by their masters to accept and participate in the British police in Ireland.”

Ruairi O Bradaigh, President, Republican Sinn Féin

 

“Hopefully, this dramatic and historic step toward peace will be embraced by the unionist community and become a new dawn for the peace process, so that the all-important restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly can take place as soon as possible.”

US Senator Ted Kennedy

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