Gerry Adams on decommissioning IRA arms (2001)

Speaking in Belfast on October 22nd 2001, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams urged members of the Provisional IRA to give careful thought to arms decommissioning:

“The current crisis in the peace process has for many been a source of great frustration, annoyance and anger. Nationalists and Republicans see the potential of the peace process being frittered away by a British government not honouring its commitments, and a Unionist leadership obstructing the fundamental change that is required…

Our aim is to Save the Good Friday Agreement. Sinn Fein’s commitment to the process is absolute. The initiatives we have taken, the initiatives we have encouraged others to take, including the IRA, have contributed decisively to the peace process. Our focus in recent times has been on seeking a resolution to this crisis. Our aim has been to save the Good Friday Agreement…

It is clear to the Sinn Fein leadership that the issue of IRA weapons has been used as an excuse to undermine the peace process as well as the Good Friday Agreement… Many Republicans are angry at the unrelenting focus on silent IRA weapons. This is in marked contrast to the attitude to Loyalist weapons and bombs in daily use, and the remilitarisation by the British Army of Republican heartlands in the north.

The issue of all arms must be resolved. But not just IRA weapons – British weapons as well. This is a necessary part of any conflict resolution process.

Martin McGuinness and I have also held discussions with the IRA and we have put to the IRA the view that if it could make a groundbreaking move on the arms issue that this could save the peace process from collapse and transform the situation. However I do not underestimate the difficulties this involves for the Army. Genuine Republicans will have concerns about such a move. It is to them that I address this section of my remarks.

The naysayers, the armchair generals and the begrudgers, and the enemies of Irish Republicanism and of the peace process, will present a positive IRA move in disparaging terms. That is only to be expected. Others will say that the IRA has acted under pressure. But everyone else knows that the IRA is not an organisation that bows to pressure or which moves on British or Unionist terms. IRA volunteers have a view of themselves and a vision of the Ireland they want to be part of. This is what will shape their attitude to this issue.

Republicans in Ireland and elsewhere will have to strategically think this issue through. We have all been part of something very powerful. Each of us have struggled in difficult and hard times. We are now in a good but challenging period for Irish Republicanism. We have made significant advances this year. There is a continued need for all of us to stay connected and to keep fulfilling our roles. Our focus is on building the peace. Everyone of us have a role in that daunting task. We have to ensure that we have done our utmost to prevent the situation from slipping back into conflict.

Our activists have been the heart beat of the struggle for justice and freedom. It is the sum total of all our efforts that drives this process forward, that advances our struggle, and which builds the political strength to achieve our goals.

In my view the IRA is genuinely committed to building a peace process in which the objectives of Irish republicanism can be argued and advanced. The Army has repeatedly demonstrated leadership and patience and vision and I respect absolutely its right to make its own decision on this issue.

I would appeal to Republicans to stay united. I would particularly appeal to IRA Volunteers and their families, and to the IRA support base, to stay together in comradeship. This is the time for commitment to the Republican cause. It is a time for clear heads and brave hearts. The IRA must stand out as an example of a people’s army, in touch with the people, responsive to their needs and enjoying their genuine allegiance and support…

So if the IRA takes yet another initiative on the arms issue then the British government needs to build upon the dynamic created by that. The British political leadership has to show by deeds, not just words, that they also want to take the gun out of Irish politics and that they accept the imperative of politics and the imperative of peace making…”