Has the IRA done enough?

The IRA has announced that it has decommissioned part of its arsenal of weapons, as it agreed under the Northern Ireland peace process.

The de Chastelain commission described it as a "significant event" and confirmed that the IRA had put a quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives beyond use.

The IRA leadership itself confirmed that a scheme agreed with the decommissioning body in August to put weapons "completely and verifiably beyond use" had been implemented in an "unprecedented move to save the peace process".

The widely-anticipated announcement follows months of pressure from the Ulster Unionists, and the British, Irish and American governments. UK Prime Minister Tony Blair paid tribute to the Sinn Fein leadership for "the boldness of this move".

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble, after a meeting with General de Chastelain, said that he would be recommending that his party return to the power-sharing institutions with Sinn Fein. Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid has responded by announcing the immediate demolition of British Army security bases.

Is this the move that Northern Ireland has been waiting for after decades of sectarian violence? Can a move on arms by the IRA renew the path to a lasting peace in the province?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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Your reaction

The problem with Northern Ireland is the number of criminals who ride on the back of the 'cause' and have gained power and wealth and have a far more formidable armoury than the 'average' criminal fraternity. Will it be possible to divide between the weaponry used by the 'freedom fighters' and the drug-dealing criminals who are present in a minority in all western societies? I will leave this most pertinent of viewpoints for the decommissioning bodies to wrangle with.
A. Reynolds, England

As the descendent of Anglo-Irish immigrants, I've reflected on my heritage with both pride and regret. The IRA's decision is one of both monumental import and a clear statement of intent. The loyalists need to match this statement with a bold, decisive action that indicates their willingness to insure this process goes further.
Travis Anderson, USA

I have to say that reading some of the more negative comments posted on this site reminds me of the truly inherent problem that exists in N. Ireland. Every single person in N. Ireland harbours some form of sectarian conditioning, whether they like to admit it or not. This is simply due to the society in which we were all brought up. It seems that a lot of us cannot look past this even when dealing with something as important as peace in our homeland.

It seems that we get handed a little bit of hope every once in a while just so that we don't give up.

Fergus Adams, Ireland

In my view the latest moves in the peace process are the most encouraging yet. It seems that we always get handed a little bit of hope every once in a while just so that we don't give up. Unfortunately it is this conditioning which seems to lead people to automatically rubbish the efforts of those attempting to make an actual breakthrough in the deadlock. I truly believe that the situation in N. Ireland will never be fully resolved. The social and political climate may improve substantially but as long as children from the next generations of both Loyalists and Republicans are conditioned, as we all have been to a certain extent, we will never live in a society without sectarian conflict.
Fergus Adams, Ireland

I doubt if NI will ever achieve peace. The IRA and UVF etc. make too much money out of a situation they control to give up. Whilst giving up weapons will help to secure some stability the people of NI will still have to suffer at the hands of 'organised crime' who represent nobody but themselves. They are the real enemy of peace and since Sep 11 must thinking how they can realign and still hold the power base they have over the people of NI. Why not give up some weapons? The international community will applaud and forget about NI and then move on to the next world issue. Do not be fooled by people who are willing to kill innocents to further their ends. They will not go away.
Eric Todd, Scotland

I've been doing this in school as part of my GCSE. Both sides now need to give way a liitle. Yet everybody needs to start talking and break down the differences - which is their parents memories and problems.
Titch, England

What the IRA have done is a big step and it will be interesting to see if the loyalist paramilitaries will follow their lead.

Kevin Cassidy, USA

I wish all of the Protestant people could see how significant of a move this is for both sides of the community as we struggle to find lasting peace. What the IRA have done is a big step and it will be interesting to see if the loyalist paramilitaries will follow their lead. It's going to take both sides to decommission for there to be peace. The sooner the loyalists face up to the fact that the Catholic community are no longer going to be second class citizens in their own country, the better.
Kevin Cassidy, USA (From Derry,NI)

I think the IRA has gone too far in satasfying the British goverment, David Trimble & co. Where is the shouting as regards loyalist violence?
KM, N.Ireland

The IRA are a terrorist group with an agenda which is not near completion

Paul Davidson, UK

How can this question be answered objectively? We do not know how much, what type and whether the decommissioning will continue. After the Mozambique war the lack of decommissioning of all weapons has lead to the increase in violent crime in South Africa because one person or a gang can hire out a gun to commit a crime and return it after the deed. Let`s not get too carried away with media hype / IRA spin and all the subjective opinions of politicians. The IRA are a terrorist group with an agenda which is not near completion - do we really believe they have "done enough" ?
Paul Davidson, UK

It's a positive beginning. We must look at it from this point of view - it gives the people of Ireland hope.
Arlene Fraser, Scotland

It is a step forward toward a more just society in Northern Ireland that the I.R.A. is disarming. Now it is time for the Protestant paramilitaries to do the same. Also, big changes must be made in the police. The RUC is not able to maintain peace because it is a sectarian force. It must be replaced by police representatives of the whole community.
gksaoh, U.S.A.

This latest charade does not fool me

Ed, N.I.

The IRA claims to want peace, yet they expect others to do all the work. Again and again concessions are made to them, with nothing in return. This latest charade on the part of the IRA does not fool me for one moment.
Ed, N.I.

An important start but so far only symbolic

Robin Almond, England

An important start but so far only symbolic. The IRA have a vast arsenal. They could decommission three-quarters of it and still have enough to repeat everything they've done in the last 25 years.
Robin Almond, England

I hope all this is true, because in Basque we need things like that to win our battle versus terrorism of ETA.
Sergio Gisbert, Spain

The decommissioning argument is in fact really very simple. Getting rid of some guns as proof of bone fides was only ever a prelude to the removal of the Provisional I.R.A. as a paramilitary force able to exert political pressure. This is a step in the right direction and should be respected and responded to as such. It is not the end of the road by any means. My favourite analogy is that of someone giving up smoking but refusing to throw his fags out -if your vital interests are linked to his stopping smoking, you are entitled to be suspicious!
William, N.Ireland

The IRA are not brave and their move was not historic

Stephen Reid, Northern Ireland

The IRA are not brave and their move was not historic. The handing in of an unknown amount of weaponry has come about due to pressure on Adams and co. from American sources due to their connections with armed, murderous gangs from around the globe. I do not believe that this token gesture was anything more than a face-saving exercise. Remember the IRA can always go back to "what it knows best", that is if it had really ever stopped arming itself and ravaging my country.
Stephen Reid, Northern Ireland

Greg and John, please please read the text elsewhere on this site. Try at least to understand the role of de Chastelain and the decommissioning body. The "inventory" has been handed over, the agreed "independent" verifier is happy as required under his remit. And this nonsense of "broken promises" by the IRA? Where? When? The bottom line is this, the people of Northern Ireland are long overdue peace with justice. This is a step towards that goal and those who cannot see it never will. The Irish have long ago given up caring for what their nearest and dearest think.
Austin Rock, Ireland

What does beyond use mean exactly? Why all the double-talk? Can't these people say what they have done with the weapons? Are they destroyed, or hidden in some hole waiting to be dusted off at some later date? Speak plainly, IRA if you are really serious about disarmament and peace. Listen to President Bush, he doesn't deal in metaphors, he talks plainly so that there is no misunderstanding his meaning. Try it sometime.
John, USA

I agree with John, USA. Until the decommissioning of these weapons can be verified independently, it is all just hot air, again. It still makes me laugh though, when I see Gerry Adams appealing to the leadership of the IRA. It would be quicker if he were to stand in front of a mirror.
Greg, UK

This whole process is about mutual trust

Douglas, GB

Remember that Adams has to keep the IRA as a whole on board; there is only so much he can do at a given time without splitting the movement further. This is what he's been doing for years, and (whatever we may think of the IRA) he does deserve some credit for his work. Now the IRA have actually handed weapons over, the principle that this should happen has been conceded - and it thus becomes easier to repeat. That said, I think a leap of faith is required here - if the Unionists can't trust the Republicans (despite confirmation from an observer who went to school in Scotland!), then no amount of progress on decommissioning will bring lasting peace. This whole process is about mutual trust.
Douglas, GB

I don't think that the IRA should be patted on the back for what they have done. These arms are illegal and have been used to murder and maim innocent men, women and children. What the people of Ulster need to know is, What arms were dealt with, what explosives were dealt with and how were they dealt with. Most important, we need to know if this was an event or a process, before any consideration could be given by Trimble and others to go back into government with the Sinn Fein/IRA.
Rodney Wiggins, Belfast (UK)

The next step belongs to the loyalists

Sinead, N. Ireland

I would like to reply to a comment made by David Miller, UK. Demilitarisation is as much part of the Good Friday Agreement as is decommissioning. The British are not doing it through good will, they have to comply with the agreement as well. I am a native of South Armagh and since the Good Friday Agreement there has been much more security activity than at any time through the worst of the troubles when there was a supposed bigger threat. What's that all about? As for the loyalists, they are not "becoming" a problem, they have been a major problem for as long as the IRA have been. Remember it's the loyalists' guns that pose the biggest threat in the North not the IRA's, and it's been like that for a while. The next step belongs to the loyalists, they need to at least silence their guns.
Sinead, N. Ireland

It is absurd to hail this move as generous. Adams and the IRA have run rings round this British government that desperately wants to rid itself of the problem. Reid now feels so grateful for this gesture he is rushing to take down their defences against terrorism. The British have surrendered and David Trimble is so desperate to remain a large fish in a small pool that he rushed back to reclaim his office. The one thing that can be guaranteed is that the loyalist groups will not stay quiet and between them the IRA and the British government have very cleverly created a situation where the loyalists will become the problem. Predictably the worst is yet to come.
David Miller, UK

People who have commented on this message board do not realise the massive significance of what has begun. Talks behind the scenes are always different to what is being said in the press briefing rooms. Delicate discussions were undertaken to ensure a fair and workable solution could be reached at this point. We have waited a long time to get where we are now, and I am looking forward to the future with renewed belief in the power of dialogue. Of course what has been happening in the last few days is that people have been going around to Monaghan and South Armagh to reassure some Republicans about the process of weapons disposal. My worry now is that the Loyalist communities are frustrated at the current process.
Ronan Quinn, Ireland

This token decommissioning is a step in the right direction

Dan F, England

The great majority of Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland residents would happily live as neighbours without problems, but they are not allowed to by a small number of extremists. This token decommissioning is a step in the right direction, and Tony Blair has reciprocated with a token dismantlement of some watchtowers and bases. Time to start in earnest people! All the weapons in the bin (IRA, Loyalists and dissident groups), all our bases dismantled, and a power sharing government can then rule through democratic means. Let's show the rest of the world how it is done.
Dan F, England

To applaud Gerry Adams is like thanking the Taleban for handing over Bin Laden. The only difference is that, rather than believing in their cause, the IRA bombers would rather crawl back under their stones so they can safely watch mothers crying over their murdered children and children crying over their murdered parents.
Richard H, UK

I applaud the IRA for making a brave move

Mike, Ireland

First it was, "Hand over the weapons," and now it's, "Well how much did they hand over?" Why is it one obstacle after another? Why don't we just get the whole list of preconditions from all parties and get a move on. We've had too much talk for too long with nobody really doing anything. I applaud the IRA for making a brave move. Maybe it's a gesture but at least it's not a bombing somewhere. All parties should look at this as the beginning of the end of violence in Northern Ireland and not a cue for the next precondition.
Mike, Ireland

I'm glad to see that Gerry Adams has announced the beginning of decommissioning. It's not surprising after IRA connections with Marxist Colombian anti-American guerrillas, and with Libya have been revealed. People forget that the IRA started life as a Marxist terror unit, but along the way they convinced gullible Americans into believing they were old-style freedom fighters, and received a lot of money as a result. After 30 years of American-funded terrorism on British soil, it took terror to come to America before their naive beliefs were shattered. Is the war over? Lets see what the Real IRA have to say.
Matt Jamieson, England

Both sides need to make complete disarmament a reality now, not in stages. What is the use in the Government tearing down four security installations if any weapons still exist? The government has given too much too soon. We are soon to see the demise of the RUC after many decades of unfaltering dedication to the protection of the law-abiding people of Northern Ireland. Why? So that we get a symbolic gesture from the IRA, until something else doesn't go their way and they threaten the peace process?
Ross, UK

Let us not get carried away with the euphoria surrounding the IRA's decision to put only some weapons beyond use

George, UK

Let us not get carried away with the euphoria surrounding the IRA's decision to put only some weapons beyond use. Yes it is a move in the right direction but why has it taken them so long? When will all of these events be properly verified? We need to know what exactly they have decommissioned, why they don't just disband and why the IRA has contact with the South American terror group FARC. Too many questions about the activities of Sinn Fein/IRA have been left unanswered. Even when on ceasefire they still managed to carry out punishment beatings. These people are terrorists and should be treated as such not applauded for doing what should have been done years ago.
George, UK

While the US is on its mission to end terrorism I'm sure the mighty US dollar will find its way to the terrorists of the IRA to replace the weapons they've allegedly destroyed.
Leon, Washington DC, US/UK

Well it's a start. But it must now become an ongoing process if it is to be completed by February 2002.
Jacko, Wales

Reading some of the comments on this page, you would think that weapons being concreted over is actually a bad thing. Perhaps it is, for some among the unionist community who will have to think long and hard to find another way to sabotage the Good Friday Agreement. I strongly applaud Tony Blair, which is very unusual for me, for taking immediate steps to remove some of the British bases from the equation. Why do the loyalists not feeling like playing the same game? They claim that they need to defend their community from a threat that has not been active for some time. All they are defending is supposed territory. They cannot accept that in some areas of Belfast in particular, the Catholic community is growing while the unionist community is falling. Surely it is obvious that there needs to be a reallocation of some of the housing stocks. Come on unionists try to move with the times.
Stewart, Scotland

This move will give our children and grandchildren the peace that we never had

Brendan, N Ireland

Upon reading the early loyalist reactions to the IRA's historic move, I can only emphasis my utter disgust at people who cannot truly accept this move as historic and groundbreaking. People who talk of rhetoric and of "some arms" are not interested in peace at all. What more do people want? What will the loyalist's place as the next hurdle so that they don't have to share power? This move will give our children and grandchildren the peace that we never had. It only needs the loyalist people to grasp it. The IRA has taken the first step now. Let's see the UVF and loyalist politicians do the same. When will they destroy their weapons?
Brendan, N Ireland

Hopefully this time the IRA will keep its promises.
Tassos Zervakis, USA

Through the political mouthpiece of Sinn Fein the IRA needs to demonstrate that the disposal of its weapons represents a sincere abandonment of violence, and that it is not just a cynical move intended to keep American favour in light of that nation's new attitude towards terrorism.
Peter Smith, UK

It is absurd to hail this move as generous. Adams and the IRA have run rings round this British government that desperately wants to rid itself of the problem. Reid now feels so grateful for this gesture he is rushing to take down their defences against terrorism. The British have surrendered and David Trimble is so desperate to remain a large fish in a small pool that he rushed back to reclaim his office. The one thing that can be guaranteed is that the loyalist groups will not stay quiet and between them the IRA and the British government have very cleverly created a situation where the loyalists will become the problem. Predictably the worst is yet to come.
David Miller, UK

The messages here seem to be one-sided. Nobody seems to realise the principle that the IRA has given up. The reason they armed in 1969 was to protect their people. There is still a threat. Look at the nationalist journalist murdered by loyalists weeks ago, and the hundreds of nationalist families firebombed this year. The IICD says that the arms are beyond use. But we know they will never give them all up for self-defence reasons, but the decommissioning and the three large dumps they have destroyed are a breakthrough in comparison to their ceasefire.
Pat, Ireland/USA

This is a prerequisite to ending terrorism and sectarian violence around the world

Paul, USA

Congratulations Gerry Adams. Your call to lay down arms is a prerequisite to ending terrorism and sectarian violence around the world. Let us see Hamas, Hezbolla, FLTP, Tamil and Basque separatists do the same. This will be known as Gerry's initiative.
Paul, USA

These guns have been silent for years. In contrast to the 250 incidents of bombs being thrown at people and homes by loyalists this year. When are their weapons going to be decommissioned? The NI state was created through military force. The weapons used to bring NI into being have never been decommissioned. The "legally held" weapons throughout the province have not been decommissioned. However this unionist- constructed obstacle to progress has now been addressed. Perhaps now we can move on in creating a non-sectarian state.
George, Derry, Ireland

Is it possible that everyone can be so naive as to imagine that this is a genuine concession on behalf of the terrorists? During the whole of the so-called peace process, and long before, they have never ceased making promises and have never fulfilled any one of them. Whether they have actually destroyed anything or not, the fact remains that they retain a huge stockpile of arms, much of which has never been revealed to the inspectors, and which they will use again as soon as it suits them. There is only one way to defeat terrorists and that is to exterminate them root and branch.
Ed, UK

A little remorse for those murdered would also be appropriate

Alan Murphy, USA

Winston Churchill once said that he refused to equate the arsonist with the fire-fighter. Gerry Adams would have us believe that he is a fire-fighter, but the best he can ever hope to become is a reformed arsonist. To do this, he still has a very long way to go. He and his buddies need to get rid of the weapons completely, quietly and with humility. A little remorse for those murdered would also be appropriate.
Alan Murphy, USA

Further to Alan Murphy's comments, Churchill was never really able to recognise that there were two sides to every conflict, let alone be able to see both of them. To forget the whole of the last few centuries and reduce things to a good guy/bad guy divide is unhelpful to say the least. Perhaps all those cynics and detractors would prefer there to be no peace process at all and we can all sit around arguing about who started it, whilst things return to the way they were. The positive thing about the peace process is its lack of blame, its acceptance that the situation in the North is far from acceptable on all sides and the need for the whole community to demilitarise. Nobody should be required to accept blame or responsibility, certainly not at the price of peace. The winners in this won't be the IRA but the people in the North who will hopefully be able to live in peace.
Philip, UK

One can only assume that Philip, UK thinks that the nazi regime had its good points. Churchill, by comparison, was very narrow-minded.
Alan Murphy, USA

Well it's certainly a great place to start from. However, let's keep a grasp on reality here and be in no doubt that September 11 was the turning point. The IRA and Sinn Fein are not lacking intelligence, which has amply been demonstrated by this action. Anyone in their right mind now knows with certainty that terrorists perpetrating attacks anywhere will not be able to duck back over any border to seek sanctuary.

Sadly, it's come too late for the victims of Enniskillen and Omagh but we can all hope that the beginning of the end of these atrocities is in sight. I am also hopeful that loyalist terrorists will disarm and also stop the disgusting spectacle of harassing young girls on their way to school. Ireland has been the worst case scenario of British imperialism and subjugation for over 800 years. As a free thinking, progressive Englishman working abroad, with many friends of so many nationalities and religions I say it's about time the rest of us accepted our shameful past on that poor tortured island and its people.
David Turnbull, Dubai, UAE

The symbolism of decommissioning is more important than the quantities. The intention is clear. Guns and explosives don't kill - people do.
Martin Stocks, UK

It takes more than the disposal of weapons to signify a willingness to co-operate in the peace process

Tim Brown, London, UK

It is obvious that the only reason the IRA has agreed to decommission its arms is due to the events and aftermath of September 11th. It is ironic that the IRA has to agree to peace due to the threat of a war on terrorism. It takes more than the disposal of weapons to signify a willingness to co-operate in the peace process however, because as we have seen in the Middle East, it's the deep-rooted hatred of the people and not the weapons they use which spurs terrorism.
Tim Brown, London, UK

Firstly I would like to say that any arms being decommissioned is a step in the right direction. However what we need now is for the USA to continue to put the pressure on both sides of the divide to ensure that decommissioning continues. As for the demilitarising of Northern Ireland surely this should not start while there are still active terror groups not involved in or committed to peace such as the Real IRA.
David, Northern Ireland

What happens with the splinter groups who revel in breaking this sort of arrangement?

Alan Dean, Scotland

Proceed with caution would be the best approach. If the IRA are really just an organisation with members who have many vested interests in the crime business then surely only a continuation of "the troubles" suits them. It is unusual for any organisation's members to put themselves deliberately out of business and thus end all of their benefits. Moreover, what happens with the splinter groups who revel in breaking this sort of arrangement?
Alan Dean, Scotland

I would like to think that there was a substantial amount of arms and explosives decommissioned, but we have no visible proof that this is so. What I would like to know, before I could accept it is indeed a 'groundbreaking' act is, 1) how much has been decommissioned, 2) how they were 'put beyond use', 3) what concessions have been given to these terrorists and 4)how can the decent, law-abiding people of N Ireland be sure that the Government and IRA are telling the truth and it is not just another move to shore up the so-called Peace Process?
Evie, N Ireland

So far the only cynicism I have seen is from those people saying "this is a cynical ploy", "this is 30 years too late" etc. Some people are saying "where's the proof". Well it's actually not the IRA who've said they've decommissioned, it's General De Chastelain and the IICD. Even David Trimble has said "it's significant". Lastly some people are saying it's just rhetoric. They need to consult a dictionary and examine the entries "action" and "words"
Seamus, Ireland

What is the point of the IRA decommissioning only some of its arms? What difference does that make to its capacity to kneecap teenage boys, drive families out of their homes or murder people outright? A few rusty rifles...!!! do me a favour!
Stephen, UK

Not for one moment do I condone what the I.R.A. ( or Loyalist terror groups) have done in the past. Far too much emphasis has been put on scrapping weapons. Their was no point in pushing Sinn Fein and co. For as far as they saw it, they hadn't surrendered, why should they hand weapons over? Hopefully a peaceful, just and prosperous Ireland can develop, in a Europe where National and Unionist argument looks ever more absurd.
Michael Naylor, England

The decommissioning of arms by the IRA is irrelevant and insignificant towards lasting peace

Rich, Scotland

The decommissioning of arms by the IRA is irrelevant and insignificant towards lasting peace. Not until the country's education becomes integrated can we talk of progress.
Rich, Scotland

If this is true and the IRA are going to surrender their weapons, I feel sorry for the Catholics in places like the Garvachy Road and for the people in Ardoyne who live in fear of loyalists every day. People don't seem to understand what happens in Ireland; the sad reality is that the Catholics don't trust the RUC or Army, so who are they going to turn to for safety in the future?
Graeme Murphy, Scotland

Processes are always long chains with small links

Evert, Nederland

Oh yes, this move can revive the peace process. Processes are always long chains with small links. But every single link is essential and of crucial importance for the chain. I believe this will help, by God's grace!
Evert, Nederland

Some? Some? What on earth is 'some'? 'Some' could be any number and we've got no idea how may will be left. The peace process shouldn't be resumed until all arms are destroyed - until then the IRA, and any other terrorist groups, should be just as much of a target in the so called 'War On Terrorism' as bin Laden is.
D Baumann, UK

Now that their bluff has been called I think that the true nature of the unionist agenda in power sharing will come to light. Hopefully the move will make things go forward...but I have a feeling that another hurdle will replace the decommissioning issue. Judging by early unionist reactions it seems that they just can't accept peace and that as a part of this peace they must share power with the nationalist community. Time will truly tell whether the arms issue was the hold up in the process.
Conor Murray, Ireland

Hmmm...ground-breaking move? What would that be then, another deadline on decommissioning which will pass without any weapons being given up perhaps?
Tom, UK

Will there be loyalist decommissioning?

Cillian, Amsterdam

The latest move was quite inevitable, after suspension and deadline number umpteen, and all that Sinn Féin now really had to lose (as opposed to the Unionists). 11 September certainly also did its bit. And let's not forget Gerry Adams has political ambitions in the south. A grand gesture therefore it had to be. There are enough arms sloshing around to hold out for another 30 years. Yet what matters more now are politics. How will Trimble et al react? Will there be loyalist decommissioning? The conflict is not between arms. It's between people's views. It's about time we started decommissioning those.
Cillian, Amsterdam

"Historic IRA move may be imminent." I seem to have heard that a lot over the last 10-15 years. Haven't seen anything though.
John Alkire, UK/USA

A united Ireland is a legitimate aspiration

Nick, Switzerland

Whilst I may believe that one day a united Ireland is a legitimate aspiration, I also believe it can happen democratically as demographics shift naturally. So I say hand the guns in. And stop hanging about with that nasty bunch of international terrorists. They'll only get you in trouble. Go on, make your mothers proud.
Nick, Switzerland

They have probably kicked a few old guns out the front door, whilst a shipment of new ones comes in the back.
Paul Atkins, UK

The momentum must be kept up

Julian Winn, UK

The IRA have done enough to start the process of decommissioning. This should now stimulate the Unionist factions to decommission their arms and the diplomats to push on quickly. The momentum must be kept up and all parties must continue to withdraw their arms from NI This applies equally to British armed forces. Above all, diplomatic force must replace armed force.
Julian Winn, UK

The IRA have made a very real and significant move which has been overseen by a person chosen by the British government, and yet all that the loyalists and unionists can say is that this is not enough. Well, it's a start. When are the LVF and the UDA going to follow suit?
Sean Mac, Eire

The UDA have used 250 bombs this year. Another Catholic family was bombed last night. That was the UDA response to the IRA gesture.
Greagoir O'Cearullain, Ireland

The IRA have indeed taken a big step, but to what aim? They aspire to a 32 County Socialist Republic and retain the means to use violence in pursuance of that. They are past masters in the cynical use of the media; propaganda has been a weapon in their armoury as much as semtex. Let us hope informed people in Northern Ireland are not duped. For the rest of us, cautious optimism is perhaps the best way to sum up our feeling.
Stephen, United Kingdom

The IRA putting some of its arsenal beyond use is a major step forward in the peace process and should be commended. They have made the first gesture of decommissioning and it is now time that the loyalist terror groups followed suit and put an equal proportion of their arms out of use. Then they can keep the process moving forward so that the people of Northern Ireland can determine their future, be that remaining part of the UK, or reunification with Ireland through a democratic process. Hopefully this will be the first step in ending the cycle of violence that has ravaged Northern Ireland.
Chris, USA, (formerly England)

There is a lot of misinformed and ungenerous comment here. The "substantial amount" of arms, explosives and ammunition are completely and verifiably beyond use. This is not just an IRA statement, but an action verified by international independent monitors. Comments that this is "30 years too late" are also naive and simplistic in the extreme. What astounds me is the continued ingratitude that this move is being met with it, especially given continuing loyalist murders, the break down of loyalist ceasefires and the silence of IRA guns.
Fergal Kelly, Australia

As recent events have demonstrated, there is simply no room in this world for acts of sectarian hatred

Frank, USA

Despite the negative opinions and feelings of distrust expressed by so many of the respondents on this page, this remains a very historic day for N Ireland. I hope all of the paramilitaries in the province will recognise that the time has finally arrived to allow due political process a chance to succeed where the mob rule mentality that has dominated the political scene has failed. As recent events have demonstrated, there is simply no room in this world for acts of sectarian hatred.
Frank, USA

Perhaps Mr Adams could explain why Sinn Fein needs a representative in Cuba.
Philip, Essex, England

As a citizen of the United States, I am pleased to finally hear about a serious prospect of peace in the wake of last month's events. I also, however, have a great deal of Irish heritage, and consider myself a citizen of Ireland in a way as well. I have not read through all of the comments here, but I do agree that decommissioning must happen on all sides. My thoughts and prayers of peace are with you all.
Joe Miller, Minnesota, USA

The IRA is doing enough to get public opinion back on its side and no more - but if it involves weapons really being put out of use it's a good thing. The IRA play the propaganda game very well. Lasting peace is the holy grail and we must be allowed to get on with life without terrorist threat and also without terrorists having won. Peace with no regard for the lives lost defending freedom from terrorists is not worth the cost. Terrorists must not win.
Pete, UK

Big deal - why did they not put all their weapons beyond use? Because it is a ploy that is meant to make us feel guilty about their true motives.
David Swain, USA

This is a simple ploy to save face in the international arena

Pete, Northern Ireland

It's amazing what international pressure can achieve. Historic, are you kidding? This is a simple ploy to save face in the international arena. No one is fooled by it, except the media and Mr Blair. Another fudge in NI politics. The IRA should surrender fully, not just say it's "put beyond use" some weapons. All the details should be made public and not shrouded in secrecy. Where is the proof? We all know Mr Trimble's days are numbered as are the days of this fudged undemocratic terrorist ridden assembly. Let's put the GFA to rest alongside the Sunningdale agreement.
Pete, Northern Ireland

As a neutral, I get the impression that many unionist supporters are sceptical and worried about the IRA's decommissioning of some of its weapons. Is this because they are scared that they are losing their grip on a province that they have controlled for hundreds of years?
Michael, UK

Yes, they have done enough. It's clear their war is over. However, I don't see the loyalists doing the same as their war on innocent nationalist civilians will never be over.
Brendan Walsh, USA

Is this perhaps a little too contrived and cynical, as the republican movement faces ostracism and being sidelined and desperately needs a headline-grabbing gesture. I am not at all sure that this represents progress and even less sure that it will provoke a constructive response from the unionists. I am appalled at the moral equivalence that some contributors appear to be willing to accord the IRA. Can anyone please tell me what was the difference between WTC on the one hand and Canary Wharf on the other? Are these incidents really to be differentiated by the IRA's nominal devotion to the peace process which enabled them to maintain a "ceasefire" while perpetrating atrocities. We should not forget so quickly
Andrew, UK

Let's get on with the long-delayed business of providing effective and fair government for all

John Gray, Northern Ireland

Now that the IRA has proceeded can we have a response with some generosity please. Let's get on with the long-delayed business of providing effective and fair government for all.
John Gray, Northern Ireland

Has the IRA done enough? Only if it gets rid of all the weapons and apologises for three decades of murder.
Alan Murphy, USA

Thanks for some common sense. Thanks to Martin McGuinness, Gerry Adams, and Sinn Fein. Obviously, holding positions in which you can legitimately hold some influence has become an important step along the way. The IRA by making this gesture can in the world's eyes, be seen as a humanist organisation, particularly in light of the current situation and this should be respected as a decision towards resolution rather than more bloodshed. We should make it happen. How do we want to bring our children up? This is universal.
Carol Ashworth, England

This is a big move by the IRA. However, I expect that the unionists will find another reason to walk away from the peace process. To those who comment on why the IRA took up arms in the first place, it was to defend the peaceful nationalist community against violence by the loyalist paramilitaries, B-specials, police reservists and later on the British Army on Bloody Sunday.
Jimmy, USA

Of course the Provisional IRA has done enough. It is the British government that is not doing enough as it turns a blind eye to loyalist violence against the nationalist community. When are we going to see Blair and Trimble go after the UDA over the issue of decommissioning?
Diarmid Logan, USA

I believe this is a major step on the part of the IRA. I fully agree with Diarmid Logan, USA. Let's now see if Blair and Trimble will pressure the UDA into decommissioning.
John MacDougall, Canada

It seems like a cynical ploy

Steven, Ireland

No one knows what has happened to the small amount of arms put beyond use. Anyway, the IRA was gun running not that long ago so it seems like a cynical ploy.
Steven, Ireland

It's a start. Proof will be needed and should be forthcoming. This first step should be taken, then the next, on both sides.
Ted, USA

There will only ever be peace in N Ireland when all the weapons have been put beyond use, not just a few of them. Is this a one off? If it is then it's to save face and pass the buck onto unionism yet again.
Sean, Ireland

Both sides have a great history but now they have an even greater future

Caroline Martin, USA

I feel that it is very good for the IRA to decommission their weapons. To finally have peace you need to balance the other side with harmony. Real harmony begins with both sides talking with to each other then moving to the next step and resolving their differences. Once one side realises that it is not better than the other, then they can start working with the children to make sure the anger and distrust doesn't go on for another generation. I believe in the people of Northern Ireland. Both sides have a great history but now they have an even greater future. Peace and harmony is what I wish for Northern Ireland.
Caroline Martin, USA

Putting the guns to rest is a huge step towards achieving peace. The guns of all the loyalist paramilitaries must now also be put away. But the struggle for freedom would never have occurred in the first place if it were not for British imperialism. The days of controlling other countries has long passed. Let us have justice and equality and the world will be a better place. I implore the British government to show real faith and none of their usual double standards. Let's move even further and stop the massacre of the people of Afghanistan and strive to educate them so they can choose their own governments without interference.
Mike Curran, Canada

Mike Curran's comments are laughable. He talks of British Imperialism and the need for people to choose their own governments, and one can only assume he includes Ireland in this. Well, Mr Curran, Northern Ireland's majority has chosen its own government, but because of terrorists this government has not been allowed to work. Please don't comment on things you clearly do not comprehend. It's like me trying to tell Canadians to give Quebec their independence. Oh, and is Bin Laden going to allow the people of Afghanistan to be educated? Dream on. Listen to the refugees. Dialogue with this monster will not work.
Al, USA

I find it incredibly difficult to get excited about the possibility of peace on the strength of some transparent rhetoric

Simon, USA

I find it incredibly difficult to get excited about the possibility of peace in Northern Ireland on the strength of some transparent rhetoric. If the IRA wants peace then it is simple to achieve. Destroy your ridiculously large cache of weapons and stop killing people. The world has turned against international terrorism of which the IRA is a fine example. It is doing nothing more than bowing to a world pressure by pretending to actually do something. We should not forget that these people are not freedom fighters or an army as they describe themselves but terrorists. They always have been. I for one do not trust the word of a terrorist that has been cornered.
Simon, USA

I find it rather ironic that a key ally of the IRA and probably a former henchman is now making out as if he is some kind of hero. It is disgraceful that he and McGuinness are in charge and in the political forefront of Ireland now.
Gareth, UK

I now think that one day there will be peace and human rights for all in Northern Ireland

James Davey, UK

The De Chastelain committee will inform us how many of these weapons have been put beyond use. If this is satisfactory to the unionists, as I hope it is, then the peace process will move forwards, slowly but surely. It will take many years but I now think that one day there will be peace and human rights for all in Northern Ireland.
James Davey, UK

So they have put weapons beyond use. What weapons and who has verified it? Why should anyone trust the word of terrorists?
Terry Amis, UK

Anti-agreement unionists will now be faced with their greatest test ever. They will now have to decide if they can share power. Initial soundings from the DUP appear to be moving the goalposts yet again, now insisting upon all weapons. But how much is all? It will be interesting to listen to their views in coming hours and days.
Stephen, Ireland

As a Northern Irish Presbyterian by upbringing I have to applaud the latest move by the IRA and look forward to verification by the international commission on decommission led by John de Chastelain. I would expect the unionists to respond positively and play a vital role in ending sectarian tribalism in the land so many of us love dearly.
Bob Morrison, England

This is thirty years overdue

Peter, Netherlands

Has the IRA done enough? They have done far too much. Hundreds of people would still be alive if the IRA had never taken up arms in the first place. This is thirty years overdue.
Peter, Netherlands

Will a move on arms renew the path to peace in the province? Certainly, assuming it's a blanket move by all factions. As long as there are weapons out there, the threat of violence will hang over the people of Northern Ireland and the rest of Great Britain. The people of Northern Ireland also have to want peace. Judging by the television pictures of the past six months, the latter goal will be the harder to attain.
Rob, England

This is a truly remarkable step to be taken by republicans and re-affirms their commitment to the peace process in no uncertain terms. Hopefully the British government and unionism can at last show their commitment to the process and move forward, resuming the operations of the cross-border bodies and shouldering the weight that comes with radical political change.
Matt, Ireland

Great, they say they've decommissioned their weapons. Let's say we'll resume the NI Assembly. Then let's wait and do nothing until they've done more than just say they've decommissioned. How about some proof?
Freddie, UK

Is this the move we have been waiting for? Yes. But it is no more than an opening move. Much wisdom will be needed on all sides as widely differing assessments are sure to be given on how many decommissioned weapons will spell real progress.
Eberhard B, Germany

Unionists must welcome this as a very significant move

Howard McGiffin, Canada

Some positive news at last. As the Northern Ireland peace process grinds frustratingly along, seemingly one step forwards and two backwards, at last a gleam of light appears at the end of the tunnel. Unionists must welcome this as a very significant move and grasp at whatever straws the IRA offers. Now is the time for action from Trimble and the British government. Allow De Chastelain to define the quantity of arms permanently put out of use and finally move forward.
Howard McGiffin, Canada

Well they don't say what weapons they are decommissioning or how many or what they have done to put them out of reach, but it's a start!
Jacky, UK

This will not bring peace on its own. There needs to be full decommissioning on all sides. There are three armies currently in existence in the north. None are very active at present, but the weapons of all three have to be silenced for this to work.
Frank Smith, Ireland