Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt has made a fresh bid for early release from prison, just minutes after his first application was struck out.

FBI agent David Rupert told the Special Criminal Court today that he wanted $2m (€1.76m) after tax from the FBI for agreeing to testify against the alleged Real IRA leader Michael Mc Kevitt.

FBI agent David Rupert told the Special Criminal Court today that he developed the character of a smuggler and drug dealer to help him infiltrate dissident republican groups.

A journalist and newspaper are to be investigated for contempt of court for reporting of the trial of alleged Real IRA leader Michael Mc Kevitt, the Special Criminal Court was told today.

Leading dissident republican Micheal McKevitt has been remanded in custody for a further two weeks after he made a brief appearance at the Special Criminal Court today.