19/04/2002
Senior Conservative Party members listed in seized IRA files
IRA intelligence files, which include a list of senior members of the Conservative Party, have been found by detectives in Northern Ireland.
The information was seized during a series of searches following a break-in at Special Branch offices in Castlereagh which police believe was carried out by the IRA.
Security sources in Belfast say a list of names had been recovered in the New Lodge area of Belfast on Thursday April 18.
It is understood that acting Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn has briefed Professor Desmond Rea, chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
Conservative Central Office in London confirmed it was aware of the list. Security sources disclosed the politicians on the list were being alerted but were unclear how many names were on the document.
The documents recovered yesterday however, are not among the documents stolen when the Special Branch office was raided on March 17.
Sinn Fein has repeatedly denied the IRA was involved in the burglary. Security chiefs nonetheless insist the missing documents from Castlereagh are in the possession of the Provisional IRA.
The Conservative Party’s Northern Ireland spokesman, Quentin Davies has been informed of the list by the Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid.
In a statement the Dr Reid said that the files did not prove that the IRA was about to resume its campaign.
He added: “There is no indication that the IRA is either about to, or intending to, recommence its campaign.
“We have always made it clear that all paramilitary groups must end all forms of terrorist activity - that includes collecting information.
“All organisations need to dismantle the apparatus of terrorism in all its forms.”
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said: “We have all known that the IRA has continued to be active at a number of different levels since the ceasefire. Ongoing IRA activity has been a cause of continuing concern to many just as the continuing actions of loyalist paramilitaries create anguish and fear. It is in this context that the SDLP has emphasised the importance of decommissioning as a means of building much needed public confidence.”
The leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party are seeking an urgent formal meeting with the Acting Chief Constable regarding the list and Castlereagh break-in. (AMcE)
The information was seized during a series of searches following a break-in at Special Branch offices in Castlereagh which police believe was carried out by the IRA.
Security sources in Belfast say a list of names had been recovered in the New Lodge area of Belfast on Thursday April 18.
It is understood that acting Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn has briefed Professor Desmond Rea, chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
Conservative Central Office in London confirmed it was aware of the list. Security sources disclosed the politicians on the list were being alerted but were unclear how many names were on the document.
The documents recovered yesterday however, are not among the documents stolen when the Special Branch office was raided on March 17.
Sinn Fein has repeatedly denied the IRA was involved in the burglary. Security chiefs nonetheless insist the missing documents from Castlereagh are in the possession of the Provisional IRA.
The Conservative Party’s Northern Ireland spokesman, Quentin Davies has been informed of the list by the Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid.
In a statement the Dr Reid said that the files did not prove that the IRA was about to resume its campaign.
He added: “There is no indication that the IRA is either about to, or intending to, recommence its campaign.
“We have always made it clear that all paramilitary groups must end all forms of terrorist activity - that includes collecting information.
“All organisations need to dismantle the apparatus of terrorism in all its forms.”
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said: “We have all known that the IRA has continued to be active at a number of different levels since the ceasefire. Ongoing IRA activity has been a cause of continuing concern to many just as the continuing actions of loyalist paramilitaries create anguish and fear. It is in this context that the SDLP has emphasised the importance of decommissioning as a means of building much needed public confidence.”
The leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party are seeking an urgent formal meeting with the Acting Chief Constable regarding the list and Castlereagh break-in. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 November 2009
Dissident Detained Leaving English Jail
An alleged police informer jailed for handling republican terrorist explosives has been arrested while leaving an English prison. Dissident Paddy Murray is being detained by PSNI detectives, with the support of English forces. The 47-year-old former IRA prisoner was handed a 25-year sentence in 1994 for possession of explosives.
Dissident Detained Leaving English Jail
An alleged police informer jailed for handling republican terrorist explosives has been arrested while leaving an English prison. Dissident Paddy Murray is being detained by PSNI detectives, with the support of English forces. The 47-year-old former IRA prisoner was handed a 25-year sentence in 1994 for possession of explosives.
04 September 2009
'Victims' Wing It To Scotland
The contentious issue of dealing with the NI Troubles' legacy is to be discussed - across the Irish Sea. A Scottish hotel has been chosen for a meeting of almost 30 victims and relatives of those hurt in the Troubles to discuss the needs of those affected during decades of violence.
'Victims' Wing It To Scotland
The contentious issue of dealing with the NI Troubles' legacy is to be discussed - across the Irish Sea. A Scottish hotel has been chosen for a meeting of almost 30 victims and relatives of those hurt in the Troubles to discuss the needs of those affected during decades of violence.
28 July 2008
Republican Threat Level 'Higher Than Any Other'
The threat to the UK from 'dissident' Irish republicans is greater than from any other terrorist group. According to the latest intelligence service surveillance from MI5, organisations such as the Real IRA and the Continuity IRA currently pose a greater danger than even Islamic extremists.
Republican Threat Level 'Higher Than Any Other'
The threat to the UK from 'dissident' Irish republicans is greater than from any other terrorist group. According to the latest intelligence service surveillance from MI5, organisations such as the Real IRA and the Continuity IRA currently pose a greater danger than even Islamic extremists.
18 April 2003
Adams claims IRA response is ‘unparalleled’
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has told a meeting of party members that the IRA statement issued to the British and Irish governments contained elements that were “unparalleled” in republican history. Mr Adams attending a meeting held in a Newry hotel maintained that the IRA statement was both “clear and unambiguous”.
Adams claims IRA response is ‘unparalleled’
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has told a meeting of party members that the IRA statement issued to the British and Irish governments contained elements that were “unparalleled” in republican history. Mr Adams attending a meeting held in a Newry hotel maintained that the IRA statement was both “clear and unambiguous”.
10 September 2021
Fewer Homes Listed For Sale In Northern Ireland
Fewer homes were listed for sale in Northern Ireland during August, which could have a knock-on effect on sales and prices in the next three months, according to the latest RICS and Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey.
Fewer Homes Listed For Sale In Northern Ireland
Fewer homes were listed for sale in Northern Ireland during August, which could have a knock-on effect on sales and prices in the next three months, according to the latest RICS and Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
