Statement by Reg Empey on the Decommissioning of Weapons by the IRA, (26 September 2005)

Statement by Reg Empey, then leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), on the Decommissioning of Weapons by the IRA, (26 September 2005)

"Clearly it would appear that a significant development in terms of decommissioning has taken place. However we regret that once again, this development has failed to maximise public confidence.

This move is a dramatic u-turn by the Republican movement from their stated position of ‘not a bullet, not an ounce’. Ulster Unionist resolve and persistence has been a crucial factor in bringing to fruition this about-face.

We will however wait and see the outworking of events. It is imperative that not only arms are decommissioned but that the dismantling of the Republican movement’s criminal empire is also completed.

In order to restore confidence, we call on the government to immediately publish the estimates that were given to the IICD.

This move by Republicans should illicit a response from Loyalist paramilitaries who said that if the IRA decommissioned that they would follow suit.

Unionism remains to be convinced of the Republican movement’s commitment to exclusively peaceful and democratic means. In the coming days and months ahead we will be engaged in a series of meetings with the government and other parties. We will also consult internally with a view to forming a fully considered response to these developments.

It is our clear view that Government should not yield to Republican demands for further concessions as a result of this development."