Adams appeal to get 'due consideration' from IRA

The IRA has said it is giving "due consideration" to Mr Gerry Adams's speech yesterday when he called on it to abandon violence and to commit itself to pursuing its goals through political and democratic means.

Mr Adams's speech, which was delivered in Belfast yesterday afternoon, was welcomed in Dublin and London, but the governments stressed it was ultimately dependent on an IRA response.

Mr Adams appealed to the IRA to begin intensive internal consultation on his call as quickly as possible.

Today's statement reads "The leadership of the IRA was given notice of the appeal by Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams. We have noted his comments."

"The IRA will give his appeal due consideration and will respond in due course."

Mr Adams yesterday commended the IRAs actions for more than 30 years but said politics was now the best option. "Your determination, selflessness and courage have brought the freedom struggle towards its fulfilment," he said.

"That struggle can now be taken forward by other means." It was a defining moment for republicans, he claimed, which called for a "truly historic decision".

But unionists remain sceptical of Sinn Féin and the IRA's intentions and dismissed the speech as a cynical election ploy.

The Taoiseach said nothing less than a complete and decisive end to all IRA activity and capability will be acceptable if there is to be any prospect of achieving inclusive politics in Northern Ireland.

"Gerry Adams's appeal to the IRA today is significant and has potential. However, ultimately this statement can only be judged on the basis of the IRA's actions on foot of it," he said.

Sinn Féin chairman Mitchel McLaughlin said today he believed the IRA would respond to Mr Adams's words shortly.