CRACKDOWN ON BOMBERS WILL GO ON
Crackdown on bombers will go on
By Chris Thornton and Michael Devine
SECURITY moves to crush the Real IRA were being pushed ahead without interruption today after the Omagh bombers claimed they have suspended their violence.
The RUC and Garda announced measures to beef up operations in response to the massacre, as the Republic's government prepared a package of legal measures.
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, writing in today's Belfast Telegraph, said of the Real IRA's ceasefire: "We note with considerable scepticism their statement of last night.
"But what we want to hear from them is that they will cease such violence unconditionally and forever."
Tanaiste Mary Harney promised "very tough measures" and said the breakaway IRA group now appeared to be in complete disarray.
The Real IRA said in a statement to the Irish News that its campaign of violence would stop from midnight last night as they began "a process of consultation on our future direction".
The statement came hours after the gang admitted the bombing and apologised to victims - but referred to the "ongoing war against the Brits".
There was no indication how long the Real IRA intends to stop bombing, and security officials were looking on the statement sceptically - saying it was a bid to relieve the immense pressure against the group.
Mrs Harney said: "It's hard to imagine what kind of people put these words together."
Speaking in advance of a Dublin Cabinet meeting to approve new security measures, she added: "When we are talking about evil and
depraved people, it is hard to take seriously any statement they make.
"If they think they are going to impress or influence the Cabinet today, they are not."
She said the Real IRA's announcement was "not going to change the government's determination to put this organisation down."
Before Dublin announced the security package, the Gardai cancelled all leave for anti-terror officers and flooded the area around Dundalk, the Real IRA's base, with specialist units.
By Chris Thornton and Michael Devine
SECURITY moves to crush the Real IRA were being pushed ahead without interruption today after the Omagh bombers claimed they have suspended their violence.
The RUC and Garda announced measures to beef up operations in response to the massacre, as the Republic's government prepared a package of legal measures.
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, writing in today's Belfast Telegraph, said of the Real IRA's ceasefire: "We note with considerable scepticism their statement of last night.
"But what we want to hear from them is that they will cease such violence unconditionally and forever."
Tanaiste Mary Harney promised "very tough measures" and said the breakaway IRA group now appeared to be in complete disarray.
The Real IRA said in a statement to the Irish News that its campaign of violence would stop from midnight last night as they began "a process of consultation on our future direction".
The statement came hours after the gang admitted the bombing and apologised to victims - but referred to the "ongoing war against the Brits".
There was no indication how long the Real IRA intends to stop bombing, and security officials were looking on the statement sceptically - saying it was a bid to relieve the immense pressure against the group.
Mrs Harney said: "It's hard to imagine what kind of people put these words together."
Speaking in advance of a Dublin Cabinet meeting to approve new security measures, she added: "When we are talking about evil and
depraved people, it is hard to take seriously any statement they make.
"If they think they are going to impress or influence the Cabinet today, they are not."
She said the Real IRA's announcement was "not going to change the government's determination to put this organisation down."
Before Dublin announced the security package, the Gardai cancelled all leave for anti-terror officers and flooded the area around Dundalk, the Real IRA's base, with specialist units.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0072
Published Date: 19-Aug-98
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