Traditional Unionist Jim Allister questioned a reference to a "new phase of our (IRA) struggle", while his DUP counterpart Sammy Wilson noted the "defensive" tone of the statement.

Issued every year to coincide with the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, the republican message in 2008 reaffirmed the IRA's commitment to achieving its goal of a united Ireland.

It continued: "Since 28 July 2005 IRA volunteers are playing a positive role in the new phase of our struggle. You have entered into this with energy and vigour. We commend this work and appeal to everyone to continue until we achieve our objectives.

"The ideals and principles enshrined in the proclamation of 1916 remain as relevant today as they ever were. We have proven that together, in unity and with comradeship, we can advance our struggle.

"Let us rededicate ourselves to that goal."

Mr Allister used the IRA's words to issue an assault on the leadership of the DUP, who were "gullible", he claimed.

The TUV MEP said: "Some deluded unionist politicians have foolishly claimed that Sinn Fein is signed up to British rule. Yet in their Easter message Sinn Fein's senior partner, the IRA, makes clear their unwavering commitment to the goal of a united Ireland.

"Those IRA volunteers who have been enabled to play this 'positive role' in the new phase of their republican struggle within the Executive is something for which we can thank those gullible DUP leaders who admitted them to government," he added.

When contacted by the News Letter, DUP MP Sammy Wilson refuted the remarks of his former party colleague and stressed that Sinn Fein are now trapped in a partitionist settlement.

"Jim Allister at one stage stood on a European manifesto committing himself to current DUP policy. He cannot wash his hands of the present situation, having been one of the designers of the current process," he said.
"This is a defensive statement from the IRA and is an indication unionists should be optimistic about the current situation, rather than pessimistic."

Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy, meanwhile, used his Easter address in west Belfast to accuse part of the DUP of being belligerent and abusive in its relations with republicans.

The Regional Development Minister said the future of the Maze prison site, devolution of policing and justice powers and the Irish Language Act had prompted hostility from senior unionists.

"If you think by being belligerent and abusive republicans will simply shrug our shoulders and give up on things which are important to this community then you had better think again," the Newry and Armagh MP told a 1916 commemoration.