Confused signals

This is a good a piece as I have seen on the recent set of mixed signals coming out of Northern Ireland:

"As ever in Northern Ireland, however, the smoke signals are confused and indistinct. Sceptics will claim that reports of imminent disbandment - although that word is highly unlikely to be ever used by the Republican leadership - is simply London seeking to ratchet up the pressure on Sinn Fein and the IRA.

"Even if that were the case, such moves are to be welcomed. Both London and Dublin need to remind the Republican movement of their responsibilities. Sinn Fein has travelled far further than Unionists on either side of the Irish Sea are often prepared to admit, but their journey to respectability still has some miles to go."