Gerry Adams

But if republicans are to prevail, if the peace process is to be successfully concluded and Irish sovereignty and re-unification secured, then we have to set the agenda - no-one else is going to do that.

Sinn Fein has productively taken the example of South Africa and, as we develop the peace process, we continue to use examples from South Africa.

Making peace, I have found, is much harder than making war.

At that time, the army leadership said the implementation of this agreement would allow everyone, including the IRA, to take its political objectives forward by peaceful and democratic means.

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

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

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.

The unionists also for their part, want to minimise the potential for change, not only on the equality agenda but on the issues of sovereignty and ending the union.

Sinn Fein has demonstrated the ability to play a leadership role as part of a popular movement towards peace, equality and justice.

Republican patience with how unionism deals with the political institutions, and with key issues like equality and human rights, will be tested because, obviously, there will be a battle a day on these matters. So lets face up to all of this with our eyes wide open.

Such decisions will be far reaching and difficult. But you never lacked courage in the past. Your courage is now needed for the future.

Your determination, selflessness and courage have brought the freedom struggle towards its fulfilment.

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