Walking towards history

THE end came just before lunchtime yesterday. In 531 words, the IRA drew down the shutters on a 36-year campaign of armed conflict that cost 3,500 lives, 1,800 of them at the hands of the Provisionals.

When were the seeds planted for yesterday's historic announcement?

In December 1987 when the Humes-Adams initiative began? In August 1994 when the IRA declared its ceasefire? In April 1998 when the Good Friday Agreement was signed? Or in the cumulative pressure that has built up from all the 'false dawns' we have seen since then?