The issue of paramilitary weapons has dogged the peace process

Unionists want the IRA to verifiably scrap its weapons and end activity such as so-called punishment beatings.

With the IRA claiming it will do both, Republicans say Unionist demands for pictures of weapons decommissioning are an excuse to avoid power-sharing.

Northern Ireland society has hurdles to overcome too, with views still divided over issues like policing, and a sharply rising crime rate.