Nineteenth Report of the Independent Monitoring Commission

This ad hoc report from the Independent Monitoring Commission is the response to a request from the British and Irish governments for a fuller assessment of the completion of the transformation of the Provisional IRA (PIRA).

“There are three key issues so far as we are concerned. The first is the nature of the course that PIRA is on, whether it will stay on that course, and whether the organisation does now or will in future present any threat to peace or to the democratic process. We firmly believe that PIRA is set on and will remain on the political path. We do not believe that it presents a threat to peace or to democratic politics.”

Moving Scotland Forward: The Government’s Programme for Scotland 2008-09

The Scottish Parliament returned from summer recess yesterday and the SNP administration published its plans for the year ahead.

“Since taking office over a year ago this administration has adopted a new approach to government. We have a single, overarching Purpose – to focus government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth – and we are determined to work in partnership with wider Scottish society so together we can deliver on the Purpose.”