Gerry Adams

For over 30 years, the IRA showed that the British government could not rule Ireland on its own terms.

Such decisions will be far reaching and difficult. But you never lacked courage in the past. Your courage is now needed for the future.

Your determination, selflessness and courage have brought the freedom struggle towards its fulfilment.

The Irish Republican Army has kept every commitment made by its leadership.

For good or ill, I'm a person of leadership. I do my best. I don't dodge responsibility.

At that time, the army leadership said the implementation of this agreement would allow everyone, including the IRA, to take its political objectives forward by peaceful and democratic means.

We are totally committed to ending partition and to creating the conditions for unity and independence.

Sinn Fein has demonstrated the ability to play a leadership role as part of a popular movement towards peace, equality and justice.

The unionists also for their part, want to minimise the potential for change, not only on the equality agenda but on the issues of sovereignty and ending the union.

Republican patience with how unionism deals with the political institutions, and with key issues like equality and human rights, will be tested because, obviously, there will be a battle a day on these matters. So lets face up to all of this with our eyes wide open.