IRA expels three over pub killing

THE Provisional IRA last revealed it had kicked out three of its members, believed to be linked to the murder of Belfast man Robert McCartney.

The IRA insisted, however, the organisation itself was not involved in the killing. The three men dismissed are believed to be senior members of the organisation.

In a significant move, the IRA leadership conceded that republicans were involved in the murder. The decision had followed an internal investigation.