Archbishop hails IRA’s ‘powerful, significant’ move

THE IRA’s decision to abandon its armed struggle could be the most significant move by a paramilitary group since the start of the Troubles, the leader of Ireland’s Catholics claimed last night.

Archbishop Sean Brady told a West Belfast festival audience at St Oliver Plunkett’s Church in Lenadoon he hoped the Provisionals would follow through on commitments made in the organisation’s recent statement.

And in a lecture on what freedom meant to him, he called on republicans to finally endorse Northern Ireland’s police service and for respectful dialogue between rival sides in parades disputes.