The IRA made a "historic" move yesterday when it announced it had begun putting its terrorist arsenal beyond use.

The group claimed the development was an attempt to "save the peace process".

Whilst the exact details of the act remain unclear, General John de Chastelaine confirmed that the IRA had begun decommissioning after his inspectors visited two arms dumps.

Tony Blair said the act was one of "fundamental significance" whilst David Trimble signalled that he would call for his party to rejoin the Northern Ireland executive.

The move breathes fresh life into the peace process which would have collapsed in crisis at midnight on Thursday had no gesture been made.

The British government will today announce moves aimed at advancing normalisation in the province. In a statement to the Commons this afternoon Dr John Reid will announce a "generous response" to yesterday's move.

The IRA's carefully choreographed decision sets in train a complex series of events which will see unionists rejoining the Northern Ireland assembly and is expected to lead to David Trimble's re-election as Stormont first minister.

Hardliners on both sides of the divide in Northern Ireland gave the IRA's decision a frosty welcome amid suggestions that splinter groups could be about to recommence a bombing campaign on the mainland.