IRA defer issuing stand down statement

Harry McGee, Political Editor

There has been mounting expectation in recent weeks the IRA would announce its effective disbandment later this week, once Drumcree and the July 12 parades had passed off peacefully.

However, the internal debate within the Provisional movement has encountered some difficulties especially in the North Belfast enclave of Ardoyne, where there is anger at the decision to return Shankill Road bomber Sean Kelly to prison for an alleged breach of his early-release licence.