It's hard to think of a 16-month child being anything other than a delight to be around.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.