Further act of IRA disarmament may be on way

THE IRA is planning another statement within days and could accompany that with a further act of disarmament, Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble said yesterday.

The Upper Bann MP urged unionists to prepare for another possible move by the Provisionals following Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams’ appeal for the IRA to consider laying down all arms and fully embracing politics.

However, Mr Trimble also laid down a marker to republicans, insisting that they would not be allowed in any future Executive at Stormont without moves to stand down the IRA for good.