IRA reportedly preparing for a 'significant gesture'

The IRA leadership may be preparing rank and file members for a significant gesture which could allow the British government to restore devolution in Northern Ireland.

According to newspaper reports this morning, the IRA's seven member Army Council has the support of hard-line rank and file members to stand down part of the republican movement. The South Armagh Brigade of the IRA is understood to be supporting the move.

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble said at his party's annual general meeting yesterday that the Northern institutions cannot be restored unless republicans declare the war is over.

The Northern parties are scheduled to meet to begin talks at Hillsborough Castle tomorrow and there is intense pressure on republicans to make some declaration this week, to facilitate devolution.