The peace process is in unprecedented crisis because of the activities of the IRA. A monumental breach of trust has opened up between Sinn Féin, the Irish and British governments and the Northern parties. As the extent of the IRA's criminality on both sides of the Border and its malign influence within nationalist areas unfolds with each passing day, the time has come for Mr Ahern and Mr Blair to stand back and take stock. Political progress cannot, and should not, be made in present circumstances. The State has a duty to uphold democratic values.
The Government is right to signal that it is no longer prepared to turn a myopic gaze on IRA activities in order to encourage republicans to reach a comprehensive political settlement. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, indicated that shift in attitude following the Northern Bank robbery. And the Proceeds of Crime Act, which took effect last week, enables the Garda Síochána to investigate and seize the proceeds of crimes committed in Northern Ireland.
The current series of raids and arrests, along with the seizure of files and computers at the offices of solicitors and accountants, reflects a determination by the Garda to use these powers and to crack down on paramilitary money-laundering.
In a parallel development, the brutal murder of Robert McCartney by republicans in Belfast and the subsequent intimidation of witnesses has placed immense pressure on Sinn Féin and focused attention on the role of the IRA within nationalist communities. And, as courageous members of the McCartney family demand that justice be done through the police and the courts, people on both sides of the Border are asking one valid question: when is the IRA going away and why does it need such vast amounts of money?
The Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, yesterday described the IRA as a "colossal crime machine" laundering huge sums of money. He insisted that both the military and political wings of the organisation were under the total control of the IRA leadership. There was, he said, no divide.
The Sinn Féin president, Mr Adams, has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and asked the public not to jump to conclusions. But, protests of wounded innocence are no longer sufficient. Mr Adams insists he still has a role to play in the peace process and Sinn Féin must not be tainted by crime. But the solution is obvious if he is serious. He must convince the IRA to take the initiative in decommissioning weapons and ending all criminal and paramilitary activity. Sinn Féin should also take its place on the policing boards.
The Taoiseach is still committed to achieving an inclusive political settlement in Northern Ireland. Recent events require that that can only take place in a new political context. The time for bombs, bullets, killing and robberies is over.