Irish Quotes

But I also hold the very strong view that republicans need to lead by example.

At that time, the army leadership said the implementation of this agreement would allow everyone, including the IRA, to take its political objectives forward by peaceful and democratic means.

Your determination, selflessness and courage have brought the freedom struggle towards its fulfilment.

Sinn Fein has productively taken the example of South Africa and, as we develop the peace process, we continue to use examples from South Africa.

In this context the British and Irish governments will have to promote a new, imaginative and dynamic alternative in which both governments will share power in the north.

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.

For over 30 years, the IRA showed that the British government could not rule Ireland on its own terms.

When others stood idly by, you and your families gave your all, in defence of a risen people and in pursuit of Irish freedom and unity.

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.

We have to make sure the Good Friday Agreement works.

One man's transparency is another's humiliation.

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

Making peace, I have found, is much harder than making war.

It will always be a battle a day between those who want maximum change and those who want to maintain the status quo.

Hugging trees has a calming effect on me. I'm talking about enormous trees that will be there when we are all dead and gone. I've hugged trees in every part of this little island.