THE news that the IRA is about to issue an Easter statement hinting at flexibility on arms decommissioning is long overdue.
In the 12 months since the Good Friday Agreement there has been precious little "give" on the part of the IRA.
Many of its bombers and killers have been released early from long terms of imprisonment and there has even been a token surrendering of weapons by loyalist paramilitaries.
But the IRA has not surrendered a single bullet.
If the IRA is really serious about peace it must make a clear commitment to hand over its deadly arsenal.
At this stage it is only hinting at flexibility.
We have heard similar words before and, sadly, they have been followed by U-turns and treachery.
Patience with the IRA leadership is running out - and so is time.
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