BERTIE AHERN HITS OUT AT TERRORISTS
Bertie Ahern hits out at terrorists
EIRE Prime Minister Bertie Ahern vowed yesterday to crush the republican splinter group being blamed for the Omagh massacre.
Mr Ahern said he had no doubt that the dissidents styling themselves the 32 County Sovereignty Committee of the Real IRA were behind the Omagh bomb.
"I don't have any real doubt in my mind that members of what they term themselves the 32 County Sovereignty, the Real IRA or whatever else they call themselves, I believe that this was that group."
And speaking after a meeting with security chiefs in Dublin, he said: "Whatever resources are necessary to crush this organisation will be given."
He refused to rule out the use of internment in the future.
Mr Ahern said his Cabinet would hold a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss the atrocity.
"It's a case where whatever is necessary has to be done.
"It could mean anything. Whatever has to be done will be done."
He said that it was probably unnecessary to bring in new legislation to ban the Real IRA as existing legislation was probably sufficient.
SDLP leader John Hume said that both governments must stand "shoulder to shoulder" behind the agreement and the Assembly.
Mr Hume added: "These fascists must never be allowed to derail what the people have voted for."
He said the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach assured him that they would do everything in their power to bring those responsible to justice.
EIRE Prime Minister Bertie Ahern vowed yesterday to crush the republican splinter group being blamed for the Omagh massacre.
Mr Ahern said he had no doubt that the dissidents styling themselves the 32 County Sovereignty Committee of the Real IRA were behind the Omagh bomb.
"I don't have any real doubt in my mind that members of what they term themselves the 32 County Sovereignty, the Real IRA or whatever else they call themselves, I believe that this was that group."
And speaking after a meeting with security chiefs in Dublin, he said: "Whatever resources are necessary to crush this organisation will be given."
He refused to rule out the use of internment in the future.
Mr Ahern said his Cabinet would hold a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss the atrocity.
"It's a case where whatever is necessary has to be done.
"It could mean anything. Whatever has to be done will be done."
He said that it was probably unnecessary to bring in new legislation to ban the Real IRA as existing legislation was probably sufficient.
SDLP leader John Hume said that both governments must stand "shoulder to shoulder" behind the agreement and the Assembly.
Mr Hume added: "These fascists must never be allowed to derail what the people have voted for."
He said the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach assured him that they would do everything in their power to bring those responsible to justice.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/392
Published Date: 17-Aug-98
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