A document recommending an INLA ceasefire is being considered by the paramilitary group's political wing, the Irish Republican Socialist Party. The discussion paper argues that, in light of the Belfast Agreement, conditions are not right for any republican group to wage an armed campaign.
The document has been circulated among IRSP members, The Irish Times has learned. The INLA has killed three people this year and last Christmas shot dead the LVF leader, Billy Wright.
The IRSP has come out against the Belfast Agreement. However, supporters of an INLA ceasefire say the agreement is popular with nationalists, has virtually been accepted by Sinn Fein and the IRA, and is likely to be overwhelmingly endorsed in this month's referendum. They are arguing that the political conditions do not exist for the INLA campaign to continue and the security forces are likely to deal harshly with dissident republicans.
However, they are likely to meet fierce opposition from other IRSP activists. "The ardchomhairle will have to vote on it but I would be surprised if it was passed," one said.
The IRSP voted overwhelmingly at its ardfheis last year not to recommend an INLA ceasefire. If this document is approved by the ardchomhairle, it would have to be endorsed by an extraordinary ardfheis and it would then be up to the INLA to decide whether to accept the IRSP's advice, the source said.
However, a ceasefire supporter said even if the document was rejected, arguments for an end to the INLA campaign must be heard. "Whether we like it or not, the Stormont agreement is popular. Any group which continues armed struggle will be ostracised by working-class nationalists.
"The climate will be created to enable the RUC and the British army to initiate strong repressive measures against anyone challenging the new order."
The IRSP member also recommended a ceasefire so that INLA prisoners could be released.