The IRA came to its decision because of world opinion, Mr Brendan McGahon (FG, Louth) claimed. "It is, to a degree, a cynical gesture on the part of this killer organisation because they want to get more seats here next year. The awful events which occurred in America on September 11th are the real reason they made this gesture.

"That said, it is with a sense of relief that I heard this news. I hope that the awful shadow which has menaced my town \Dundalk\ and hung over it for 30 years will lift in time." He expressed reservations that the IRA would disarm totally. "Frankly, I do not believe it."

Mr McGahon said Ireland must be the only State in the world where terrorism had been rewarded. "We have had our own bin Ladens. We have had our own bin Laden, Mr McGuinness, who was undoubtedly chief of staff of the IRA. We have had a bin Laden, Mr Adams, who was heavily involved. They were guilty by association in the deaths and mutilation of up to 4,000 people."

Mr Caoimhgh∅n ╙ Caolβin (SF, Cavan-Monaghan) said he wanted to refute the notion that recent developments had come about as a result of what happened on September 11th or the arrest of three Irishmen in Colombia.

"Long before September 11th, the IRA had taken other unprecedented initiatives, including their engagement with the International Independent Commission on Decommissioning and their agreement that two international inspectors should have access to a number of arms' dumps."

Mr John Bruton, former Fine Gael taoiseach, said that at a time of celebration, they must not forget the unhealed hurt of many families.