We must stick together, says Adams

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams today urged his own hardliner supporters to stick with him and not splinter off, now that the IRA is scrapping weapons.

He said the decision to begin decommissioning had caused pain to some republicans, and admitted he would be seen in some quarters as having "sold out". At a Westminster news conference, he denied that the IRA move was part of a "deal" designed to secure concessions on Army bases and policing.

Nevertheless, he said: "We need to see, from the British and the Unionists, steps which match the unprecedented and historic nature of the IRA step."

Mr Adams said: "This is big because it does cause pain to republicans. I know that there will be some problems and inhibitions and tensions within Irish republicanism. I think it's OK to be against this move, but what we have to be is united and strategic and looking to the future, and committed to our republican cause." He urged the Real IRA and Continuity IRA to disband, and added: "I am mindful that they will accuse people like me of having sold out."

On the future of the peace process, Mr Adams said: "The issue of weapons has now effectively been taken out of the political equation and put where it belongs. This issue is one that has now been removed as a logjam in the process."

He said the withdrawal of British troops from the province, and the dismantling of military installations, should begin "with speed". He added: "I see no reason why there should be British troops in any part of the country."

Mr Adams signalled last night's breakthrough on Monday when he urged the IRA to start to get rid of its arsenal. Martin McGuinness gave a simultaneous speech in New York, appealing to IRA supporters in America, where some republicans are suspected of having switched support to RIRA or CIRA, groups which have not declared a ceasefire.