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.

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.