SINN FEIN’S publicity machine swung into action as soon as its military wing, the Provisional IRA, announced that it had ordered its volunteers to “dump arms”.

There was a shared view on both sides of the border yesterday, however, that after so many “historic” announcements from the IRA, words are no longer enough. The actions of the IRA — or lack of them — will be required to convince politicians and public that a sea change has taken place.

The point was made most vigorously by Rev Ian Paisley, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, but was echoed by many who saw the statement as an “opportunity” for long-term peace rather than the final achievement of peace.

Mr Paisley said: “They have failed to provide the level of transparency that will be necessary to truly build confidence that the guns have gone in their entirety. This lack of transparency will prolong the period the community will need to make its assessment.”

Sir Reg Empey, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, said: “I can’t take any statement from the Republican movement at face value because we have had that many of them in the past.

“After having had so many false starts in the past, naturally people are going to say actions speak louder than words. So let us see how this plays out. Let us see what happens to the weapons, let us see what happens on the ground.”

Sir Reg suggested it would be “some time” before a power-sharing executive was restored. He told The World At One on BBC Radio 4: “People are so sceptical. This is not simply whingeing or being difficult . . . we have had so many statements that haven’t been kept.” The issue of criminality also had to be addressed, he said.

Sinn Fein was determined to capitalise on the IRA’s declaration. There were press conferences in London, Washington, Brussels and Dublin — where Gerry Adams, the Sinn Fein president, surrounded himself with the party’s elected representatives in a show of strength to send a message that getting into government in the Republic is its next priority.

Only a few months ago the political stock of Sinn Fein was at its lowest ebb, with public disgust at the murder of Robert McCartney and the Northern Bank robbery of £26.5 million.

The gushing welcome from Tony Blair — calling it “a step of unparalleled magnitude” — seemed to curdle in Belfast. Anthony McIntyre, a former IRA prisoner who has become an authoritative critic, said: “It’s a move to make more plausible the deniability of their involvement in anything from now.”

Paula McCartney, the sister of Mr McCartney, said: “What is needed are actions . . . If the IRA are committing to democratic means, why are Robert’s killers continuing to be protected by the IRA?” The statement’s lack of detail will be fleshed out in the coming days. Decommissioning of weapons, an initial gesture combined with a timetable for its completion, will be matched by the pulling down of more army watchtowers and troop withdrawals.

There is speculation that the power-sharing executive and assembly will be revived in “shadow” form, with perhaps a committee to look at the thorniest issue of all, the recognition of the Police Service of Northern Ireland by Sinn Fein. Republicans will expect to be rewarded with the ministerial post that runs the police.

Speculation remains that Mr Adams’s goal is to be elected President of the Irish Republic.

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