Statment by Gerry Adams on confirmation from the IRA that a discussion on his 6 April 2005 initiative has been authorised, (26 April 2005)

Statment by Gerry Adams, then President of Sinn Féin, on the confirmation from the IRA leadership that a discussion about his 6 April 2005 initiative has been authorised by the IRA, (26 April 2005)

"For the past four months the peace process has been in free fall. On April 6th, in an attempt to prevent this backward slide, I made a direct appeal to the men and women of the IRA to commit to purely political and democratic activity.

Clearly such a momentous decision requires the widest possible consultation and debate within the IRA. In my April 6th speech I asked that to initiate this as quickly as possible.

In response the IRA leadership said it would respond to my appeal in due course. I have now received confirmation from the IRA leadership that a discussion on my appeal has been authorised by it.

I am confidant that the IRA will take this debate forward with all the seriousness that it deserves.

I firmly believe that the way forward is by building political support for republican and democratic objectives across Ireland and internationally. Irish republicanism is at a defining point. The peace process is at a defining point.

A positive decision by the IRA at the end of its internal deliberations will have enormous significance and impact. It has the potential to halt the downward spiral in the peace process and to strengthen our ability to advance our republican objectives."