Ahern ‘shaken’ by PSNI chief’s statement

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern admitted yesterday that he was shaken by PSNI claims that the Belfast bank heist was the work of the Provisional IRA.

Sat, 08 Jan, 2005 - 00:00

Ray Ryan and Senan Hogan

He said it was a setback for the peace process and added that it was of concern to him that an operation of such a magnitude was obviously being planned at a stage when he was in negotiations with those that would know the leadership of the provisional movement.

But despite this, he pledged to continue working towards achieving a comprehensive deal in the greater peace process.

“We have had setbacks before and we all have to continue to work and try to get the comprehensive agreement that we seek,” he said.

The Taoiseach, speaking with reporters at the Irish Farmers Association annual general meeting in Dublin, said: “The thought that when we were trying to negotiate a comprehensive deal that others, and perhaps others who were closely associated, were getting ready to have one of the biggest Christmas robberies that ever took place, does nothing to help anyone’s confidence.”

Mr Ahern also said he was saddened that some people though that it was slightly amusing that there was a big robbery and there were no fatalities.

“This is very serious business in a democracy that those associated with a political movement are running an army. And, successful as they might think they are, these are very worrying events.

“It underscores the need for compelling commitments, both in word and deed, that the full spectrum of IRA paramilitary activities and capability has been brought to a definitive closure,” he said.

Mr Ahern is due to meet Tony Blair in coming weeks for a “comprehensive discussion on how both governments now take forward the process”.

Fine Gael claimed that the government should now withdraw the concession made to Sinn Féin to release the killers of Garda Jerry McCabe.

Mr Ahern caused outrage last month when he said the four IRA men convicted of the 1996 killing could be released as part of a comprehensive settlement in the North.