US politicians hail dramatic step forward

THE IRA’s pledge to abandon its armed campaign was hailed a dramatic step forward yesterday by American political figures.

US President George W Bush saluted Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister Tony Blair for their leadership on the issue and said words must now be followed by actions.

“This IRA statement must now be followed by actions demonstrating the republican movement’s unequivocal commitment to the rule of law and to the renunciation of all paramilitary and criminal activities,” the White House said in a statement.

Mr Bush’s special envoy on Northern Ireland, Mitchell Reiss, described the statement as “very positive and very encouraging”.

Mr Reiss was briefed on developments in Washington yesterday morning by Sinn Féin chief negotiator Martin McGuinness and said he had been encouraged by what he was told.

Republican congressman Peter King branded the breakthrough “a truly defining moment in Irish history”.