IRA move 'would have positive effect'

A bold move by the IRA on its future would have a positive effect on loyalism, it was claimed today.

Progressive Unionist party leader David Irvine hoped that the IRA would create sufficient confidence in the peace process with a statement which is expected to follow the British and Irish government’s proposals to implement fully the Good Friday agreement.

The East Belfast MLA, whose party is linked to the loyalist paramilitary groups, the Ulster Volunteer Force and Red Hand Commando, said: “Obviously I hope what is done by the IRA will be enough to calm down my community.

“If the IRA does something that is begrudging or minimalist, then this process will be like pulling teeth.

“However, if we get the move that everyone wants, then people should assess and look for positivity in loyalism.”

Pressure has been mounting on the IRA to make an historic declaration on its future after British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern disclose their blueprints tomorrow for implementing the Good Friday agreement.

The two leaders will give proposals on a range of issues from policing to the scaling down of the army presence in northern Ireland, equality, and human rights, and will outline a scheme enabling terror suspects who fled the North during the troubles to return home.

Both governments hope the IRA will reciprocate with its own “acts of completion”, declaring an end to all recruiting, training, intelligence gathering, targeting, the importation of weapons and involvement in all violence.

Mr Irvine said today the debate over what should be done to cement the Good Friday agreement had shifted in recent days.

The PUP leader observed: “Once where there were two questions about what the Provos would do and how the unionists would respond, there is now a third question.

“That is a question about timing.

“I think there is a view taking route that we could see relatively swift movement after tomorrow but as Bertie Ahern says it could be on the 13th hour rather than the 11th.

“The only people who have control over this are the IRA.

“However, I think we really are being given a second chance this week and I hope it will be taken.”