The unprecedented IRA apology came at a crucial time for the Northern Ireland peace process.

New Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny TD this evening acknowledged the IRA statement but said that the ultimate demonstration and proof that the 'war' was truly over would be a further statement of intent to disband the IRA completely.

The Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell has described the IRA statement as a step forward.

The middle-of-the-road Alliance Party gave a guarded welcome to the IRA statement.

David Ervine, leader of the Progressive Unionist Party, which speaks for the Ulster Volunteer Force, said the IRA statement, released to the republican newspaper An Phoblacht and Dublin newsrooms, should not be dismissed out of hand.

Ulster Unionists have said the IRA statement was not enough - they wanted more, including an assurance that the war was over.

The IRA tonight apologised for the killing of all ‘‘non-combatants’’ who died during its campaign of terror.