Gerry Adams surprised observers yesterday by telling the IRA that the armed struggle "can now be taken forward by other means".

Speaking at the launch of Sinn Féin's general election campaign, the party leader said the struggle had reached a "defining moment".

Adams, whom senior Irish ministers and MI5 say is still a member of the IRA's governing seven-member army council, said there was now an alternative means of pursuing political objectives.

IRA members should participate "not as volunteers risking life and limb but as activists in a national movement towards independence and unity", he said.

In response, Downing Street said: "Obviously the key will be what the IRA does as a result, and it's on that that any final judgment must be made.

"But we hope this represents the way forward for republicanism because the only way forward is through exclusively peaceful and democratic means."

Bertie Ahern, the Irish prime minister, added: "Nothing less than a complete and a decisive end to all IRA activity and capability would be acceptable if there is to be any prospect of achieving inclusive politics in Northern Ireland."

But he said that he was "mindful that Westminster elections are now underway, and naturally approach any comments made in that environment with some caution".