Rewards could be plentiful for Sinn Féin if the IRA follows through

THE significance of the IRA statement last Thursday stretches well beyond the realm of politics and elections.

If it proves to be the case that the IRA has actually given up training, recruiting, intelligence gathering and all the associated activities of a paramilitary campaign, and if the IRA decommissions all of its weapons, then we will truly be in a significantly different place. If the IRA can also stand down its associated criminal activity and disown and assist in bringing to justice those involved in criminal activity then its achievement will be more than impressive.

The jury of public opinion is still out on the promises made in last week’s statement. Much of the verdict on whether the IRA actions will be as good as its word will be determined by the de Chastelain decommissioning body and the two reports of the Independent Monitoring Commission.