IRA statement welcomed by Noonan

The Fine Gael leader, Michael Noonan, has welcomed last night’s statement from the IRA that strengthened its commitment to intensify its discussions with the decommissioning body which is chaired by General John de Chastelain.

In apparent response to the earlier comments from the Taoiseach, Mr Noonan said that the statement should be welcomed and that it provided Mr Ahern and the British Prime Minister with a better position to decide the way forward for the peace process.