Republican leaders consider possible 'new mode' for IRA

[two gun sid]

From The Irish Times:

The IRA will not disband but will have no role other than to pursue the goal of a united Ireland by purely peaceful means, in the scenario now being considered by republican leaders.

Sinn Féin MPs Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness are believed to be intimately involved in the internal republican debate which the two governments hope will yield a statement from the IRA about its future status within weeks. However, The Irish Times understands that decisions about the IRA's possible "new mode" will not involve the holding of a republican convention or changes to the IRA's constitution and mission statement.

The London bombings should increase the pressure on the IRA to finally deliver weapons' decommissioning and the end of all paramilitary activity, according to Conservative Northern Ireland spokesman David Lidington.

He said he believed last Thursday's terror attacks would "reinforce a political climate, in the United States as well as in the United Kingdom, that terrorism is totally unacceptable."

http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/front/2005/0711/3400811161HM1OFFLEAD.html

[Maeve]

1. That's pretty much what I expect

If they disband entirely, there will be no control over possible rogue elelments and I think that is a consideration for some. But they will get back to last December anda bit beyond.