Gerry Adams

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

In the past I have defended the right of the IRA to engage in armed struggle. I did so because there was no alternative for those who would not bend the knee, or turn a blind eye to oppression, or for those who wanted a national republic. ”

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

The way forward is by building political support for republican and democratic objectives across Ireland and by winning support for these goals internationally. ”

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

Sinn Fein has the potential and capacity to become the vehicle for the attainment of republican objectives. ”

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

The Good Friday Agreement and the basic rights and entitlements of citizens that are enshrined within it must be defended and actively promoted by London and Dublin. ”

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. ”