Dissident groups will attempt to knock the peace process of course, Downing Street warned on Wednesday.

Speaking in the wake of the IRA's decommissioning announcement, the prime minister's office has warned it would be wrong to assume there was no terrorist threat.

With hardline republican and unionist groups still opposed to the Good Friday agreement, Number 10 warned against complacency.

"There is a continuing threat from dissident republicans and loyalists - we welcome decommissioning but we are in no way complacent," said Blair's spokesman.

He added that dissidents would attempt to "destroy what we have achieved" in Northern Ireland.

The government is making clear, however, that it believes the process of normalisation can be speeded up following the IRA historic announcement on weapons. Sources said there was "no lack of will" on the government's part to move forward following Tuesday's announcement.

Ministers confirmed on Wednesday that two watchtowers in South Armagh would be dismantled as quickly as possible given the physical and logistical problems involved.

As the parties in Northern Ireland prepare to get the devolved bodies back into operation, Downing Street said it was important to stress that the political parties move forward.

In an upbeat assessment, Number 10 said all elements of the Good Friday Agreement were now being implemented and stressed that the IRA's announcement showed that the process which has been put in place for decommissioning was actually working in practice.