PARTIES SCORN TERROR TRUCE CLAIM
Parties scorn terror 'truce' claim
THE announcement by the Real IRA that it is suspending its activities has been greeted with contempt and scepticism.
In a statement issued to the Irish News - the second in one day - the Real IRA first attempted to claim that its Omagh bomb warning was adequate and that the target was commercial.
Hours later, the Real IRA announced it was suspending all "military operations" while it carries out a consultation process.
It came 24 hours after Taoiseach Bertie Ahern gave a 24-hour ultimatum for a ceasefire, warning the groups would face the full rigour of the law.
Secretary of State Mo Mowlam said the statements were an insult after the "murder and mayhem" of Omagh.
First Minister David Trimble said the announcement was "pretty contemptible".
Seamus Mallon, Deputy First Minister, en route to Buncrana today to join Mr Trimble for the funerals of three local children, said the first statement was a pathetic attempt to "excuse the inexcuseable".
Sinn Fein chairman Mitchel McLaughlin said the statement had come too late. He urged the Real IRA and similar groups to call a complete halt to its activities.
DUP justice spokesman Ian Paisley Jnr said: "I think this statement calls the bluff on the Government and this group has realised this is a concession process. "
Alliance Assemblyman David Ford said if the Real IRA was genuine it would have called a complete cessation.
THE announcement by the Real IRA that it is suspending its activities has been greeted with contempt and scepticism.
In a statement issued to the Irish News - the second in one day - the Real IRA first attempted to claim that its Omagh bomb warning was adequate and that the target was commercial.
Hours later, the Real IRA announced it was suspending all "military operations" while it carries out a consultation process.
It came 24 hours after Taoiseach Bertie Ahern gave a 24-hour ultimatum for a ceasefire, warning the groups would face the full rigour of the law.
Secretary of State Mo Mowlam said the statements were an insult after the "murder and mayhem" of Omagh.
First Minister David Trimble said the announcement was "pretty contemptible".
Seamus Mallon, Deputy First Minister, en route to Buncrana today to join Mr Trimble for the funerals of three local children, said the first statement was a pathetic attempt to "excuse the inexcuseable".
Sinn Fein chairman Mitchel McLaughlin said the statement had come too late. He urged the Real IRA and similar groups to call a complete halt to its activities.
DUP justice spokesman Ian Paisley Jnr said: "I think this statement calls the bluff on the Government and this group has realised this is a concession process. "
Alliance Assemblyman David Ford said if the Real IRA was genuine it would have called a complete cessation.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0085
Published Date: 19-Aug-98
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