Ahern ‘understands’ unionist scepticism about IRA arms

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has said he understands unionist scepticism about the completion of IRA decommissioning.

The destruction of the IRA arsenal was confirmed yesterday by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning, but the DUP has almost completely rejected the significance of the initiative.

Party leader Ian Paisley said the process was not transparent enough in the absence of photographic proof and he would adopt a wait-and-see approach before entering negotiations about a resumption of power-sharing.

Asked about the matter this morning, Mr Ahern said he believed Dr Paisley would eventually agree to sit in government alongside Sinn Féin.

"I think what he is saying is that they need time to be sure that these things are real," the Taoiseach said.

The Tánaiste, Mary Harney said she also understood unionist concerns, but she urged the DUP to accept the word of the decommissioning body.

Speaking in Dublin this morning, Ms Harney said everyone should trust the three highly respected members of the body, as well as the two clergymen who witnessed the destruction of IRA arms.

"If we keep saying 'no' to everything, progress will never be made," she said. "We all have to move forward and that includes the unionist community."