Gerry Adams: It’s a regret that end to armed campaign took decades to bring about

Gerry Adams has spoken of his regret that it took so long to end the Provisional IRA’s campaign of violence Picture: Rebecca Black/PA

The 2005 statement by the Provisional IRA announcing the end of its armed campaign took decades to bring about, Gerry Adams has said.

The former Sinn Féin president also voiced regret that it took so long to come, suggesting the UK Government was focused on “defeating republicanism”.