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

It's been a long time coming but the reality is that this process is at a crossroads.

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.

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

The days of humiliation, of second-class citizens and of inequality are over and gone forever.

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

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.