NEW LAWS SOON AS CABINET MOVE TO CRACK DOWN ON DISSIDENTS
New laws soon as Cabinet moves to crack down on dissidents
By BRIAN DOWLING and COLIN BROWN
Legislation to support the crackdown on dissident republican groups will be rushed through the dail in a single day.
Government and opposition parties have agreed to take amendments to the Offences Against the State Act in a special recall of the Dail on September 2 next.
The Seanad will sit the following day to ensure the swift passage of the legislation directed at the Real IRA and any other groups or individuals engaging in paramilitary violence.
Meanwhile, it is now likely the meeting tomorrow between the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, will take place at a venue in the west of Ireland.
The two leaders are finalising plans for the meeting to review the political and security situation in the aftermath of the Omagh bombing.
They will consider in detail the various legislative changes the two governments are planning to counter further violent activities.
It will also provide an opportunity for the two leaders to examine the broader political landscape as the Northern parties prepare for the establishment of a new executive headed by First Minister, David Trimble in the coming weeks.
The two governments are anxious to maintain the political momentum of the peace process and to send a firm message that attacks such as mass murder at Omagh will not be allowed to undermine the Good Friday Agreement.
Mr Blair will travel to Omagh today to outline the British Government's response to the security situation. He is likely to have talks Stormont with First Minister David Trimble and his deputy, Seamus Mallon, and a visit to Omagh has not been ruled out by his officials.
There is also speculation Mr Blair will take the opportunity to Belfast to meet other political parties including Sinn Fein and the DUP.
While the details of his visit are being kept under wraps for security reasons, Mr Blair's officials believe he will deliver a strong message - that the British and Irish governments will not be deflected from the search for peace by renegade bombers.
Mr Blair has said he is hopeful the Omagh bombing will be the last terrorist outrage in the North but will emphasise his determination not to allow terrorists to blow the Good Friday Agreement off track.
Meanwhile, the British Parliament is to be recalled next week to pass new anti-terror laws aimed at taking IRA renegades off the streets.
It is likely that MPs will be ordered to break short their holidays to return to the Commons on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Lords will also be summoned back to approve the legislation, which is likely to become an act by the end of the week.
It is rare for the Commons to be recalled from recess. The last time was in 1995 for a two-debate on Bosnia.
By BRIAN DOWLING and COLIN BROWN
Legislation to support the crackdown on dissident republican groups will be rushed through the dail in a single day.
Government and opposition parties have agreed to take amendments to the Offences Against the State Act in a special recall of the Dail on September 2 next.
The Seanad will sit the following day to ensure the swift passage of the legislation directed at the Real IRA and any other groups or individuals engaging in paramilitary violence.
Meanwhile, it is now likely the meeting tomorrow between the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, will take place at a venue in the west of Ireland.
The two leaders are finalising plans for the meeting to review the political and security situation in the aftermath of the Omagh bombing.
They will consider in detail the various legislative changes the two governments are planning to counter further violent activities.
It will also provide an opportunity for the two leaders to examine the broader political landscape as the Northern parties prepare for the establishment of a new executive headed by First Minister, David Trimble in the coming weeks.
The two governments are anxious to maintain the political momentum of the peace process and to send a firm message that attacks such as mass murder at Omagh will not be allowed to undermine the Good Friday Agreement.
Mr Blair will travel to Omagh today to outline the British Government's response to the security situation. He is likely to have talks Stormont with First Minister David Trimble and his deputy, Seamus Mallon, and a visit to Omagh has not been ruled out by his officials.
There is also speculation Mr Blair will take the opportunity to Belfast to meet other political parties including Sinn Fein and the DUP.
While the details of his visit are being kept under wraps for security reasons, Mr Blair's officials believe he will deliver a strong message - that the British and Irish governments will not be deflected from the search for peace by renegade bombers.
Mr Blair has said he is hopeful the Omagh bombing will be the last terrorist outrage in the North but will emphasise his determination not to allow terrorists to blow the Good Friday Agreement off track.
Meanwhile, the British Parliament is to be recalled next week to pass new anti-terror laws aimed at taking IRA renegades off the streets.
It is likely that MPs will be ordered to break short their holidays to return to the Commons on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Lords will also be summoned back to approve the legislation, which is likely to become an act by the end of the week.
It is rare for the Commons to be recalled from recess. The last time was in 1995 for a two-debate on Bosnia.
Further Information
Publisher: IRISH INDEPENDENT
Ref: II/118
Published Date: 25-Aug-98
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