IRA raises hope of peace deal boost

HOPES were raised last night of a breakthrough in the stalled Northern Ireland peace process, when the IRA outlined its future intentions to the Irish and British Governments.

In a statement given to the Governments, the IRA set out its position on the peace process, its ceasefire and its approach to a third act of decommissioning.

The governments are considering the statement which is believed to go further than the deal on offer last week and offers the greater clarity sought by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister Tony Blair.