Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Congressman Richie Neal response to the IRA statement

WASHINGTON - Congressman Richard E. Neal, Co-Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs, released the following statement today in response to the IRA's historic statement that it will pursue its goals through peaceful means and put all its arms beyond use.

"Today's announcement represents the beginning of a new, more peaceful era in the north of Ireland. The IRA's groundbreaking statement to pursue it's goals through exclusively peaceful and democratic means, and it's pledge to decommission all of it's arms is historic and unprecedented. It is testimony to the courage and leadership of Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness who challenged the IRA last April to fully embrace politics. It is clear that the Sinn Fein leadership has kept its word and honored its commitments. It is also due to the extraordinary work of British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern who were tireless in their pursuit of peace.

Today's developments should give the stalled peace process renewed momentum. It is my hope that the statement will lead to both the swift restoration of the power sharing institutions in Northern Ireland and the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. The onus now must be on the DUP to face up to its commitments and work towards building a new society based on equality, inclusivity and trust. I look forward to working with the British, Irish and United States governments to help take advantage of this historic opportunity," said Congressman Richard E. Neal.