High security as Murphy is released on bail

ARMED gardaí stood guard yesterday as a leading figure in the IRA was accused of tax evasion.

The alleged former IRA chief of staff, Thomas “Slab” Murphy, was brought before a court in Louth just hours after medical staff called in to examine him said he was feigning illness.

The 58-year-old millionaire, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, on the Louth/Armagh border, was released on bail after facing nine charges of failing to file tax returns. It is alleged the total underpayment of taxes exceeds €2.5 million.