CRACKDOWN TO TARGET GODFATHERS OF TERROR
Crackdown to target godfathers of terror
By TOM BRADY Security Editor
A SECURITY plan aimed at cracking down on the godfathers of terror who masterminded the bombing atrocity in Omagh will be placed before a special Government meeting on Wednesday.
Tough new measures to be reviewed by the Cabinet will focus on the leadership and experienced activists of the dissident republican splinter group, the self-styled �glaigh na h�ireann.
Senior officials from the Department of Justice in conjunction with the Attorney General's office were last night studying existing anti-terrorist legislation to determine how the clampdown on the dissidents can be put into action.
A joint move against the splinter groups will be discussed at a lunchtime meeting today in Belfast between Justice Minister John O'Donoghue and Northern Secretary Dr Mo Mowlam. And a review of the effectiveness of cross-Border tactics in combating the terrorists will be carried out at a meeting of Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne and RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan.
Mr O'Donoghue will later report back on the outcome of the talks to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and a concerted plan to eliminate the threat posed to the peace process will then be prepared.
Although the Taoiseach was adamant yesterday that internment cannot be ruled out as an option, the Government was hopeful that a solution could be found within existing legislation.
A likely option is greater use of the Offences Against the State Act which proscribes paramilitary organisations to bring charges of membership of illegal groups against the terror godfathers.
Ironically, the term "�glaigh na h�ireann'', the name adopted by the new group when it was officially set up after splitting from the Provisionals last autumn, is already included in the organisations proscribed under the Act.
This would allow the Gardai to act immediately against the people they suspect of leading the organisation, including the former IRA quartermaster general who resigned following the rift at an IRA army convention in Gweedore in west Donegal in October and the former IRA head of "engineering''.
The 32 County Sovereignty Committee, alleged to be the political wing of �glaigh na h�ireann, last night denied any involvement in the Omagh bombing and offered sympathy to the victims.
The car used in the atrocity was stolen in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, last Thursday.
By TOM BRADY Security Editor
A SECURITY plan aimed at cracking down on the godfathers of terror who masterminded the bombing atrocity in Omagh will be placed before a special Government meeting on Wednesday.
Tough new measures to be reviewed by the Cabinet will focus on the leadership and experienced activists of the dissident republican splinter group, the self-styled �glaigh na h�ireann.
Senior officials from the Department of Justice in conjunction with the Attorney General's office were last night studying existing anti-terrorist legislation to determine how the clampdown on the dissidents can be put into action.
A joint move against the splinter groups will be discussed at a lunchtime meeting today in Belfast between Justice Minister John O'Donoghue and Northern Secretary Dr Mo Mowlam. And a review of the effectiveness of cross-Border tactics in combating the terrorists will be carried out at a meeting of Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne and RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan.
Mr O'Donoghue will later report back on the outcome of the talks to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and a concerted plan to eliminate the threat posed to the peace process will then be prepared.
Although the Taoiseach was adamant yesterday that internment cannot be ruled out as an option, the Government was hopeful that a solution could be found within existing legislation.
A likely option is greater use of the Offences Against the State Act which proscribes paramilitary organisations to bring charges of membership of illegal groups against the terror godfathers.
Ironically, the term "�glaigh na h�ireann'', the name adopted by the new group when it was officially set up after splitting from the Provisionals last autumn, is already included in the organisations proscribed under the Act.
This would allow the Gardai to act immediately against the people they suspect of leading the organisation, including the former IRA quartermaster general who resigned following the rift at an IRA army convention in Gweedore in west Donegal in October and the former IRA head of "engineering''.
The 32 County Sovereignty Committee, alleged to be the political wing of �glaigh na h�ireann, last night denied any involvement in the Omagh bombing and offered sympathy to the victims.
The car used in the atrocity was stolen in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, last Thursday.
Further Information
Publisher: IRISH INDEPENDENT
Ref: II/003
Published Date: 17-Aug-98
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