Adams: Ultimatums will not force IRA disband

SINN FÉIN leader Gerry Adams said yesterday the IRA was never going to disband in response to ultimatums.

His remarks were in response to British prime minister Tony Blair's comments that the continued existence of the IRA was an obstacle to rescuing the peace process.

"As an Irish citizen I want to see an end to the British army in this country, but I'm realistic. I know that's going to take a process. And me issuing an ultimatum today isn't going to move that," Mr Adams said.