PIRA 'no longer poses terrorist threat'

THE Provisional IRA no longer poses a terrorist threat in the North, the latest report from the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) concludes.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday welcomed the findings. He was speaking after meeting British Prime Minister Tony Blair in Downing Street, where both leaders promised they would publish a plan for restored government in the North before the marching season this summer.

The ninth IMC report focuses on moves to normalise the security situation as paramilitary groups disband.