Demand for Ulster peace without IRA

Published on 03/02/2005 12:05

THE Government was under pressure today to continue the Northern Ireland peace process without republicans.

It followed the IRA withdrawal from its commitment to decommission all of its weapons in return for a settlement.

Unionists are now stepping up demands for the Government to press ahead to restore a devolved administration in Northern Ireland without Sinn Fein.

In a statement released last night the IRA accused the British and Irish governments of withdrawing their commitments and trying its patience to the limit.

It confirmed it was withdrawing its proposals to get rid of its weapons.

The move came after both governments blamed the IRA for carrying out the 26.5 million bank raid on the Northern Bank in Belfast, a claim it rejects.

It has not threatened a return to full-scale violence.

It said: "The IRA has demonstrated our commitment to the peace process again and again. We wanted to succeed. We have played a key role in achieving the progress achieved so far."

Unionists have urged the Government to restore democratic government to Northern Ireland. DUP leader Ian Paisley said the IRA statement would be treated with contempt by all right-thinking people.

"Not for the first time, the IRA has withdrawn its co-operation on decommissioning.

"This will be another attempt to bargain with the Government in order to take the pressure off them.

"The Northern Bank heist confirmed the IRA never put an offer on the table that they intended to keep."