"We are the only faction that has ceased military operations. The other two main groups, the British army and the Loyalists, must demilitarize," Adams said. "Both are under the direct control or influence of the British government."

Adams said he wants any new Irish government to reflect the diversity of the country's citizens, regardless of their religious backgrounds.

"We'd like to tell our kin in the north that there is no problem. The notion should be of a pluralistic, inclusive society," he said. "There's nothing to be afraid of. Let's move forward, from the past into the future."

In defense of the often violent tactics of the IRA, Adams quoted President John F. Kennedy '40 and reminded his audience of the United States' historically stalwart defense of the rights of the individual.

"The desire to be free of foreign rule, the desire for self-determination, is the most powerful force in the modern world. It is that desire that has maintained the struggle in my country," Adams said.

"The right to silence, freedom of speech, the right to a jury, the right even to an education in the language of Irish--all of these are denied us by the British government. We are in a state of permanent emergency."