IMC Report brings reassurance but IRA must disappear

2.25.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 3rd Sep 2008

Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA

Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Stephen Farry MLA, has welcomed the latest report from the Independent Monitoring Commission, saying that it brings significant reassurance and confidence to the political process, but he stressed that the continuation of any paramilitary structures is inconsistent with a normal, democratic society.

Dr Stephen Farry stated: "This report delivers further reassurance that the IRA continues to pose no threat to the peace process and to wider society. There is now a step-change in the clarification that the Army Council is no longer operating or serving any purpose.

"These conclusions should give confidence to further efforts to stabilise our political structures.

"At the same time, we must not lose sight of the overarching imperative of the removal of all paramilitary organisations and structures from our society. They are not consistent with a normal, democratic society, which operates to the rule of law and respects human rights.

"The rationales provided for the continuation of any element of the IRA must remain under constant challenge, and pressure must be maintained for the complete disappearance of not only that organisation but all other paramilitary groups."

ENDS