The leader of the loyalist Progressive Unionist Party Mr David Ervine said it was clear from Tony Blair's comments this morning that the IRA would have to answer the question of whether its war is over.
The East Belfast MLA, whose party is linked to loyalist paramilitary groups, said: "Maybe standing behind the Prime Minister are 60 million people waiting to hear if the IRA will say the war is over.
"Maybe in Prime Ministerial language, that it what he is asking. What is clear is that our problems will not be sorted out until that question is answered.
"Clearly, that question is also going to be put to me as a loyalist politician but I have to say we cannot get off first base until we know exactly where republicans stand on this issue."
Mr Peter Robinson, deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, said Mr Blair's assessment showed that he was prepared to take a statement from the IRA at face value.
"It seems to indicate that if the IRA said something, he would believe it. The IRA have proved themselves to have lied consistently throughout the process."
Mr Robinson added: "He (Mr Blair) said that clarity was our friend. Clarity begins at home and we are looking for clarity on the Hillsborough sellout.
"We want to know the on-the-run terrorist arrangements and the devolution of policing and justice powers to IRA representatives.
"We also want clarity on the disbandment of the Royal Irish Regiment and on the role on policing for republicans, particularly those who have prison sentences behind them."
PA