The former Sinn Féin president expressed regret over the prolonged timeline for achieving peace and the lives lost during the Troubles. The IRA concluded its paramilitary campaign on July 28, 2005, leading to the decommissioning of weapons and instructing members to pursue peaceful means exclusively. This statement was a significant moment, indicating a collective decision within the IRA for peaceful political engagement. The prolonged journey to this point involved numerous efforts by various leaders to advocate for an alternative to violence. Adams noted that the British government's approach sought to achieve peace only on their terms, which impeded progress.
It took decades for it to be put together. You have to go back to Father Alec Reid, Father Des Wilson, myself, John Hume and the endeavour to put together an alternative to armed struggle.
The statement said that members had been instructed to use exclusively peaceful means, and not to engage in any other activities whatsoever. Mr Adams described the move as seismic, and an 'indication of confidence' by 'all the IRA' and not just its leadership.
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