Why is IRA decommissioning so important?

Why is IRA decommissioning so important? I believe the major reason for the restricted progress towards peace that has been made over the years in Northern Ireland is the lack of trust. With the IRA refusing to decommission, a step back was made instead of a step forward. The IRA is reluctant to decommission its arms because it fears enemy paramilitary groups will target and attack it and the Catholic community. The IRA does not …

…and education, which are at present in a sorry state. The IRA would gain considerable credibility if they handed in all weapons whilst other organisations did not. So, if the IRA decommission then the UFF and the UDF will most likely follow. Talks could then commence between them, which would be a major leap towards peace. Without it, fights over their differences in political views and methods of expressing these views endanger the peace process.