THE IRA in its annual Easter statement has said it remains committed to achieving a united Ireland.
The statement, signed by P O'Neill in the current edition of An Phoblacht, is relatively brief and makes no reference to the IRA army council or recent calls by the DUP for the further dismantling of IRA structures.
There had been some speculation that the IRA might make some concessions to unionism to accelerate the transfer of policing and justice powers to the Northern Executive.
However, fairly strong comments by DUP politicians, such as Minister Nigel Dodds, insisting this transfer was not currently possible dampened that speculation in the past week.
The statement, in Irish and English, is very traditional.
It extends "solidarity to the families of our patriot dead" and "to our imprisoned comrades and their families". It remembers "with pride our comrades from every generation who have given their lives for the cause of Irish freedom and independence".
"When we gather to honour our patriot dead we do so to celebrate their lives and to recommit ourselves to achieving our republican objectives. We are proud of our patriot dead and we are proud of their families. Our task, and that of all Irish republicans, is to shape the future through our commitment to achieving our goal of a united Ireland," it states.
"Since July 28th, 2005, IRA volunteers are playing a positive role in the new phase of our struggle. You have entered into this with energy and vigour. We commend this work, and appeal to everyone to continue until we achieve our objectives.
"The ideals and principles enshrined in the Proclamation of 1916 remain as relevant today as they ever were. We have proven that together, in unity and with comradeship, we can advance our struggle. Let us rededicate ourselves to that goal," it concludes.
