Peace process - Unionists can’t keep stalling

DESPITE the scepticism from some quarters — unionists in general and the DUP in particular — which greeted the IRA’s statement that they had ended the armed struggle, the fact remains that the organisation will be scrutinised by two independent bodies which will be able to audit their intent.

One is General John De Chastelain's International Independent Commission on Decommissioning, with a provision that Catholic and Protestant clergymen will be invited to attend acts of decommissioning.

The second is the Independent Monitoring Commission, comprised of representatives of the Irish, British and US governments, which will deliver reports next October and January.