A man wanted in the North for kidnapping a well-known republican in Belfast six years ago appeared before the High Court in Dublin today, following his arrest in the Republic on foot of a European Arrest Warrant.

The High Court in Dublin has remanded in custody a Belfast man who extradition is being sought by authorities in the North for a kidnapping that threatened the peace process.

IRA membership charges were dropped against four men accused yesterday of kidnapping top dissident republican leader Bobby Tohill in Belfast.

Supporters of four men accused of a thwarted kidnap attempt on a top dissident republican in Belfast applauded as they were led from the dock today.