The historic gesture by the IRA to decommission its weapons had been widely expected following Gerry Adams' plea to save the peace process.

Sources in Dublin had said there would be a speedy and positive response to the Sinn Fein leader's call for a ground breaking move that would save the Good Friday agreement. It is "virtually inconceivable" that the IRA will ignore Adams plea.

"I would be very surprised following Gerry Adams' and Martin McGuinness's simultaneous speeches in Belfast and New York if the IRA does not respond positively and very swiftly. We're looking at the next 48 hours and maybe confirmation of decommissioning as early as today," said one leading republican.

Royal Ulster Constabulary Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan confirmed this, saying security reports had predicted that disarmament would happen "very quickly" and described the Adams appeal as a "very significant development".

He said: "It's my estimation that these calls would not have been made by the people who made them without a real expectation on their part that something real will follow and follow very quickly."

Ulster Unionists have met with Sinn Fein to ensure both parties responded correctly and positively as each development unfolded. Though no official statement followed Adams speech, members of the UUP said he words represented a "positive move forward".