South Armagh hardliners urged to support Adams’ appeal

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has appealed to republican hardliners in south Armagh to support his call for the IRA to stand down.

Speaking in Armagh last night, Mr Adams said republicans in the area had played a pivotal role in what he called the IRA's struggle for freedom and justice.

However, he urged them to now support his appeal for a completely peaceful pursuit of Irish reunification.

Mr Adams also denied that his appeal was a tacit acceptance that the existence of the IRA was the only problem in the peace process.