Anglo-Irish statement expected on IRA following 27 June summit. UK Sec. State for Northern Ireland Peter Hain said U.S. supportive of Anglo-Irish position. Concern ahead of 2005 Orange order marching season.

Elections for Westminster parliament 5 May confirmed shift away from moderate SDLP and UUP parties to Sinn Féin and DUP; UUP leader David Trimble lost seat though SDLP leader Mark Durkan held on. DUP leader Ian Paisley said result signalled end of Good Friday Agreement. Independent Monitoring Commission’s 5th report published 24 May claimed IRA still recruiting.

Normal politics suspended with campaigning for 5 May election of Westminster MPs. Victories expected for Sinn Fein (SF) – despite evidence of IRA’s continued involvement in criminal violence – and for DUP, with marginalisation of moderate SDLP and UUP. SF leader called for IRA to “fully embrace and accept” democratic means; unionists called for action not words. Irish PM and Northern Ireland’s top police officer both said IRA continued to recruit and train new members.

Sinn Féin (SF) under pressure over claims of widespread IRA criminal activity and murder of Belfast Catholic Robert McCartney. On trip to U.S. SF leader Gerry Adams not allowed to raise funds, excluded from White House St. Patrick’s day celebrations and refused meetings with Senator Ted Kennedy; pro-nationalist Republican Congressman Peter King called on IRA to disband. McCartney’s family met President Bush 17 March. £400,000 in Westminster parliamentary allowances withdrawn from SF. McCartneys announced they would not stand for office following SF deputy-leader Martin McGuinness’s warning to be “very careful”.

Independent Monitoring Commission report on December 2004 £26.5m Northern Bank raid said IRA responsible for widespread criminal activity with Sinn Féin (SF) knowledge. SF leader Gerry Adams denied involvement claiming SF has never controlled IRA. IRA further implicated in January murder of Belfast Catholic Robert McCartney. Northern Ireland Secretary, Paul Murphy, said SF would face financial sanctions. Meanwhile, agreement on cross-border policing originally recommended in Patten report signed between Northern Irish and Garda forces.

Police accusation IRA behind £26.5m 20 December bank robbery pushed peace process off- track; IRA denied involvement. Bank raid dominated January’s high-level talks. Gerry Adams reacted angrily to PM Bertie Ahern’s remarks Sinn Fein leadership must have been aware of IRA plan during December’s intensive talks. Moderate nationalist SDLP politician Eddie McGrady mooted coalition with Unionists, excluding Sinn Fein.

British-Irish government peace proposals released 8 December; strong consensus between Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein on previously contentious issues. But Sinn Fein refusal to accept DUP demands for photographic proof of IRA decommissioning forestalled clinching deal to restore devolution, suspended since October 2002.

Possible breakthrough in peace process as high-level negotiations to restore devolution continued. British-Irish proposals (as yet confidential) for new power-sharing deal submitted to Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein 17 November. Parties responded positively but cautiously. Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said deal possible; while DUP leader Ian Paisley reiterated calls for proof of IRA decommissioning.

Efforts to restore devolution – suspended since October 2002 – continued; British and Irish officials declared coming weeks critical. September 2004 negotiations at Leeds Castle appeared to resolve issue of IRA decommissioning but not shape of nationalist– republican power-sharing arrangements. Sinn Fein president, Gerry Adams, accused Democratic Unionist Party of making unwarranted demands on IRA. Delegation of Ulster Unionists met Irish foreign minister 21 October.

Key negotiations to restore devolution – suspended since October 2002 – took place Leeds Castle, Kent, and Stormont. Significant progress made on shape of Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) - Sinn Fein power-sharing and IRA decommissioning. Talks stalled on issue of ministerial accountability, though British and Irish governments will present proposal to move talks forward. DUP leader Ian Paisley held first ever political meeting with Irish PM Bertie Ahern, Dublin 1 October. Housing executive said sectarian intimidation forced more than 1,240 people from homes 2003.