Martin McGuinness, Sinn Fein's chief negotiator, has suggested that the IRA might be ready to end its armed struggle as part of a deal to restore Northern Ireland's devolved institutions.

When asked what republicans would do to meet Tony Blair's call for "acts of completion", McGuinness said: "We all know that in this type of peace process...all sides...are going to have to do what they can to ensure the process continues to a successful conclusion."