Ahern, McDowell divided on claims of SF’s IRA role

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday attempted to defuse the furore over Michael McDowell’s naming of Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and Martin Ferris as IRA Army Council members, by declining to back up the Minister for Justice’s view.

Mr Ahern said he had no “hard evidence” of who sits on the council.

The accusation was seen in Government circles as unhelpful, prompting Mr Ahern to return the focus to ending IRA criminality.