PM'S NEW PLANS ON TERRORISM
PM's new plans on terrorism
Real IRA are 'in disarray'
By Martina Purdy and Michael Devine
PRIME Minister Tony Blair was today considering further anti-terror measures as he met in Mayo with the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern.
Some of the steps under consideration were recommended to the Government in the past 48 hours by RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan.
Mr Blair has not provided details of the measures - but said they related to evidence that can he admitted in the courts when prosecuting suspects.
The Prime Minister made the revelation after a speech in Omagh in which he pledged to change the law to allow the word of an RUC officer to be admissible evidence in securing convictions.
Mr Blair also promised to change rules relating to the right to silence so that guilt could be inferred from a refusal to answer questions.
Regarding other measures. Mr Blair said: "(They) are still the subject of discussion with the law officers and others. Some of these originate in suggestions made to us...by the Chief Constable of the RUC.
"We will examine those very carefully."
Mr Blair also hinted that he would return to Omagh, fuelling speculation he may make a return trip with the US President next week.
After meeting several hundred well-wishers near the bomb blast. Mr Blair said: "This won't be the last occasion upon which I come and the best proof I can give of my sense not just of condolence but solidarity with the people here is to make sure the things they wanted and needed for the future are given them."
Before leaving Hillsborough today for his meeting with Mr Ahern. Mr Blair focussed on the need to make political progress in tandem with the new security arrangements.
"The mood of the community here is that we must push this process forward."
Meanwhile Irish security sources indicated that the Real IRA was in disarray over its future.
Senior members of the ruthless republican group - which carried out the Omagh bomb atrocity - held a strategy meeting in Co Clare last night.
Significantly, the former quartermaster general of the Provisional IRA. who is the leader of the Real IRA. was absent.
It is understood that support for his leadership has been eroded.
Pressure is growing on the terrorists to make its temporary ceasefire permanent - but gardai sources say the group can't agree.
Meanwhile, a poll of Ulster Unionist members of the new Ulster Assembly for BBC 2's Newsnight suggested further problems ahead for the peace process.
The programme, which polled 20 of the 28 UUP Assembly members, asked if they should co-operate with Sinn Fein on the Assembly's executive under current circumstances. None said yes, 17 said no, and three declined to answer.
Asked if Sinn Fein would have to declare that the "war' was over, 19 said yes, one refused to answer.
Real IRA are 'in disarray'
By Martina Purdy and Michael Devine
PRIME Minister Tony Blair was today considering further anti-terror measures as he met in Mayo with the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern.
Some of the steps under consideration were recommended to the Government in the past 48 hours by RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan.
Mr Blair has not provided details of the measures - but said they related to evidence that can he admitted in the courts when prosecuting suspects.
The Prime Minister made the revelation after a speech in Omagh in which he pledged to change the law to allow the word of an RUC officer to be admissible evidence in securing convictions.
Mr Blair also promised to change rules relating to the right to silence so that guilt could be inferred from a refusal to answer questions.
Regarding other measures. Mr Blair said: "(They) are still the subject of discussion with the law officers and others. Some of these originate in suggestions made to us...by the Chief Constable of the RUC.
"We will examine those very carefully."
Mr Blair also hinted that he would return to Omagh, fuelling speculation he may make a return trip with the US President next week.
After meeting several hundred well-wishers near the bomb blast. Mr Blair said: "This won't be the last occasion upon which I come and the best proof I can give of my sense not just of condolence but solidarity with the people here is to make sure the things they wanted and needed for the future are given them."
Before leaving Hillsborough today for his meeting with Mr Ahern. Mr Blair focussed on the need to make political progress in tandem with the new security arrangements.
"The mood of the community here is that we must push this process forward."
Meanwhile Irish security sources indicated that the Real IRA was in disarray over its future.
Senior members of the ruthless republican group - which carried out the Omagh bomb atrocity - held a strategy meeting in Co Clare last night.
Significantly, the former quartermaster general of the Provisional IRA. who is the leader of the Real IRA. was absent.
It is understood that support for his leadership has been eroded.
Pressure is growing on the terrorists to make its temporary ceasefire permanent - but gardai sources say the group can't agree.
Meanwhile, a poll of Ulster Unionist members of the new Ulster Assembly for BBC 2's Newsnight suggested further problems ahead for the peace process.
The programme, which polled 20 of the 28 UUP Assembly members, asked if they should co-operate with Sinn Fein on the Assembly's executive under current circumstances. None said yes, 17 said no, and three declined to answer.
Asked if Sinn Fein would have to declare that the "war' was over, 19 said yes, one refused to answer.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0270
Published Date: 26-Aug-98
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