Ahern and Bruton reserve judgement on IRA statement
Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern has said he will reserve judgement on the IRA's decision to end its armed struggle until he sees what effect it has on the ground.
In a statement today, the IRA said it had ordered all its members to dump arms and engage only in peaceful and democratic activities.
Responding to the communiqué, Mr Ahern said: "Over time we will see whether those very clear words, it has to be said, are put into action."
His comments were echoed by Fine Gael's deputy leader, Richard Bruton, who said: "If this statement is fully delivered upon, it has the potential to repair damage in the peace process."
