CONTINUITY IRA WARNED TO DESIST
Continuity IRA warned to desist
INTENSE pressure, political and security, is expected to be exerted on the Continuity IRA - the only republican paramilitary organisation not to have announced a cessation of violence - to call off its campaign, Maol Muire Tynan writes.
Following the decision of the "Real IRA" to cease its campaign, it is understood that the Government will now concentrate its efforts in securing a similar move from the small Continuity IRA. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, warned yesterday that, in the absence of clarification, there would be no option but to "fairly well immediately" enforce the full rigours of existing and new legislation against them.
Amid growing concern in Government circles that members of the "Real IRA" could now gravitate towards the Continuity IRA, it is understood that intermediaries will attempt to establish communications with the republican group believed to be still active.
Intermediaries acting on behalf of the Government had been involved in channels of communication with political associates of the "Real IRA" - the 32 County Sovereignty Movement - since early summer. Dr Martin Mansergh, the Taoiseach's adviser, and the west Belfast priest, Father Alex Reid, were among those involved in the efforts to halt the campaign of violence.
An announcement was believed possible when the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, met the Taoiseach in Cong after the Omagh atrocity. The "Real IRA" decision was delayed, however, and Government sources said that a convention at the weekend paved the way for Monday night's announcement. Those suspected of involvement with the paramilitary group were under intense Garda surveillance throughout.
Senior sources said last night that a combination of public revulsion in the aftermath of the Omagh bombing, angry pressure from within the republican community and the latest legislative measures underpinned the "Real IRA's" announcement.
But, Government sources added, "nobody is going to dismiss" the potential threat of the Continuity IRA. "Any group with capability is seen as a threat. We are happy that the Real IRA attacks are over. It is another piece of the jigsaw in place. We now want the Continuity IRA to do the same."
Saying he was unsure of the "state of mind" of the Continuity IRA, the Taoiseach warned that he would now focus on two areas - the relentless pursuit of the Omagh bombers and those behind other attacks this summer and, secondly, he would seek to ensure that the Continuity IRA "go out of business".
INTENSE pressure, political and security, is expected to be exerted on the Continuity IRA - the only republican paramilitary organisation not to have announced a cessation of violence - to call off its campaign, Maol Muire Tynan writes.
Following the decision of the "Real IRA" to cease its campaign, it is understood that the Government will now concentrate its efforts in securing a similar move from the small Continuity IRA. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, warned yesterday that, in the absence of clarification, there would be no option but to "fairly well immediately" enforce the full rigours of existing and new legislation against them.
Amid growing concern in Government circles that members of the "Real IRA" could now gravitate towards the Continuity IRA, it is understood that intermediaries will attempt to establish communications with the republican group believed to be still active.
Intermediaries acting on behalf of the Government had been involved in channels of communication with political associates of the "Real IRA" - the 32 County Sovereignty Movement - since early summer. Dr Martin Mansergh, the Taoiseach's adviser, and the west Belfast priest, Father Alex Reid, were among those involved in the efforts to halt the campaign of violence.
An announcement was believed possible when the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, met the Taoiseach in Cong after the Omagh atrocity. The "Real IRA" decision was delayed, however, and Government sources said that a convention at the weekend paved the way for Monday night's announcement. Those suspected of involvement with the paramilitary group were under intense Garda surveillance throughout.
Senior sources said last night that a combination of public revulsion in the aftermath of the Omagh bombing, angry pressure from within the republican community and the latest legislative measures underpinned the "Real IRA's" announcement.
But, Government sources added, "nobody is going to dismiss" the potential threat of the Continuity IRA. "Any group with capability is seen as a threat. We are happy that the Real IRA attacks are over. It is another piece of the jigsaw in place. We now want the Continuity IRA to do the same."
Saying he was unsure of the "state of mind" of the Continuity IRA, the Taoiseach warned that he would now focus on two areas - the relentless pursuit of the Omagh bombers and those behind other attacks this summer and, secondly, he would seek to ensure that the Continuity IRA "go out of business".
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH TIMES
Ref: IT/307
Published Date: 09-Sep-98
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