The question remaining to be answered was whether or not it would be enough to convince the IRA to go on ceasefire and allow Sinn Fein, now a growing political force, to negotiate on a purely political path.

Then, in one of the most significant moves of the process, President Bill Clinton enraged London by granting Gerry Adams a United States visa. His supporters saw him and Sinn Fein feted by Irish-Americans and the media as Northern Ireland's peacemakers.

This was the clearest signal that politics was delivering, his supporters told the hardliners. But, they added, a ceasefire was now becoming crucial for the cause.

On 31 August the IRA called a "complete cessation of military operations". Six weeks later, the two main loyalist groups joined them.