The catalyst for much of this change is the growing support for republicanism.
Such decisions will be far reaching and difficult. But you never lacked courage in the past. Your courage is now needed for the future.
Sinn Fein has the potential and capacity to become the vehicle for the attainment of republican objectives.
Sinn Fein has productively taken the example of South Africa and, as we develop the peace process, we continue to use examples from South Africa.
At that time, the army leadership said the implementation of this agreement would allow everyone, including the IRA, to take its political objectives forward by peaceful and democratic means.
Your determination, selflessness and courage have brought the freedom struggle towards its fulfilment.
Your ability as republican volunteers, to rise to this challenge will mean that the two governments and others cannot easily hide from their obligations and their responsibility to resolve these problems.
When others stood idly by, you and your families gave your all, in defence of a risen people and in pursuit of Irish freedom and unity.
We have to make sure the Good Friday Agreement works.
We are totally committed to ending partition and to creating the conditions for unity and independence.
The way forward is by building political support for republican and democratic objectives across Ireland and by winning support for these goals internationally.
Hugging trees has a calming effect on me. I'm talking about enormous trees that will be there when we are all dead and gone. I've hugged trees in every part of this little island.