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.

I like to think I'm very grounded. I'm very grounded in my family. I'm very grounded in my community.

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.

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

We can be revisionist, and that's a good thing to be at times, but we shouldn't airbrush our history, so we can only make judgments in the objective conditions of that time.

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

It might or might not be right to kill, but sometimes it is necessary.