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

If you militarise a situation, you beg for an armed response.

Sinn Fein has the potential and capacity to become the vehicle for the attainment of republican objectives.

For good or ill, I'm a person of leadership. I do my best. I don't dodge responsibility.

I was leaving the Belfast court, where I had been called to answer a very flimsy charge, later dismissed. You're relatively safe in such areas in the Irish community, but to go to downtown Belfast for me is dangerous. My appearance in court had been well advertised by the police. I think it was too much of a coincidence that the people who shot me were just passing by.

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

The last months, weeks and days have seen accelerating discussions, involving the DUP for the first time, about a comprehensive agreement which would see all outstanding matters dealt with and the Good Friday Agreement implemented in full.