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.
Gerry Adams

We have to make sure the Good Friday Agreement works.
Gerry Adams

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

Such decisions will be far reaching and difficult. But you never lacked courage in the past. Your courage is now needed for the future.
Gerry Adams

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.
Gerry Adams

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

Republican patience with how unionism deals with the political institutions, and with key issues like equality and human rights, will be tested because, obviously, there will be a battle a day on these matters. So lets face up to all of this with our eyes wide open.
Gerry Adams