McGuinness: No knowledge of IRA 'apology' talks

Martin McGuinness has said he has no knowledge of discussions which are reported to be underway around an IRA statement of regret and apology over the Troubles.

An exclusive report in the Sunday Business Post today claims that the former leadership of the IRA is considering plans for an historic statement about the deaths and injuries it inflicted during the conflict in the North.

According to an anonymous source, there is no question of undermining the legitimacy of the so-called "armed struggle", but discussions about a possible apology are underway at a high level.

It is understood that what is being discussed amongst Republicans is a general and unequivocal apology to all IRA victims, including members of the Northern security forces, the British army and all representatives of the British government.

The IRA has previously apologised to the families of civilian victims of the Troubles, but has not done so for those it viewed as legitimate military targets.

The report also describes how there have been low-profile meetings between Republicans, Unionist and Protestant groups, in a bid to bring about reconciliation between the sides.

However, speaking on RTE television last night, Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness said the IRA is gone, so he does not know how it would be carrying out such discussions.

Mr McGuinness also suggested that the talks in question may actually refer to ongoing discussions between the Sinn Féin party and members of the Unionist community on reconcilliation in the North.