McGuinness: Backing politics over violence

Martin McGuinness has told the IRA that giving up violence would have an "immediate and enormous impact on the political situation".

His comments come as the republican terrorist organisation continues its internal debate about giving up criminal activity and backing purely democratic means to pursue a united Ireland.

The Sinn Fein chief negotiator has also been named as a member of the IRA army council, although the claim has been denied.

As an influential voice within the republican movement, however, his comments will be seen as an attempt to push the IRA towards abandoning criminal activity.

An IRA statement has been expected for several weeks, and Northern Ireland secretary Peter Hain has called for it to be made sooner rather than later.

He said that the Ulster peace process has "changed the political landscape on the island of Ireland irreversibly".

McGuinness called on the DUP to begin talking directly with Sinn Fein, saying it was untenable not to.

"The downward spiral of recrimination and blame in the months following the negotiations of last December threatened to destroy the enormous progress we have collectively made over recent years," he said.

"I think it was his recognition of this that prompted Gerry Adams to make a direct appeal to the men and women volunteers of the IRA to embrace purely political and democratic activity.

"The IRA leadership responded to this appeal by initiating an internal debate and we await the conclusion of those discussions."

The Sinn Fein chief said he wanted the IRA to respond "positively" to Adams' call.

"And it is clear that a positive response from the IRA would have an immediate and enormous impact on the political situation," he added.

"It would give much needed new momentum to the peace process; deal with genuine unionist concerns, remove from the leadership of unionism its excuse for non-engagement and it would put enormous pressure on the DUP to come on board the peace process for the first time."

McGuinness also said that Sinn Fein was "prepared to do political business" with the DUP.

"So it's time for action, time to end the excuses, time to end the inertia, time for everyone to move forward. And the only way forward is through dialogue."