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On 31 August 1994, the IRA issued an historic statement announcing a cessation of all activity. It was that courageous step ten years ago that added massive impetus to the then embryonic Peace Process.

Why not now?

Sinn Féin National Chairperson MITCHEL McLAUGHLIN delivered the keynote address at a commemoration in Ballina at the weekend to mark this year's 30th anniversary of the death of Michael Gaughan on hunger strike in Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight. The tenth anniversary of the IRA's historic cessation and the imminent talks on the Peace Process were the focus of his attention.

Photo: Ballina honours Michael Gaughan on the 30th anniversary of his death on hunger strike

The decade of the Peace Process

On 1 September 1994, An Phoblacht's front page carried a statement from the leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann calling for republicans to Seize the moment for peace. The historic statement announced a cessation after 25 years of armed struggle by the IRA and marked the beginning of the Peace Process.

Photo: Gerry Adams and supporters after the 1994 cessation announcement

Thanks to the IRA

WHEN historians turn their minds to writing up the history of the conflict over the last 30-odd years, one date more than any other will shine out like a beacon across this expanse of time.

Tohill accused granted bail

The four Belfast men charged in connection with the alleged false imprisonment of so-called dissident republican Bobby Tohill have been released on High Court bail.

Torrens a by-word for sectarianism

GIVEN the media focus on claims that Protestant families have been forced out of the Torrens area of North Belfast due to "republican intimidation", An Phoblacht's PEADAR WHELAN reflects on how Torrens has been became a watchword for sectarian intimidation over the years.

Photo: North Belfast SF reps Eoin Ó Broin, Carál Ní Chuilín, Gerry Kelly and Kathy Stanton

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