Kenny: Real IRA threats must be taken seriously

THREATS from the Real IRA that it is poised to launch a renewed campaign of violence across the North must be taken seriously, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny last night warned.

Members of the group’s “army council” broke a five-year media silence to boast of their intention to target PSNI officers in order to try to force British troops back onto the streets to back up police.

The republican splinter faction claims it has streamlined its operations during a three year reorganisation and is ready to attack Britain and representatives of the Stormont power-sharing executive.

Mr Kenny insisted the Government must respond to the threats with whatever action was needed.

“Last week I questioned Justice Minister Brian Lenihan about whether the Real IRA was still in existence and the likely numbers involved. Unfortunately Minister Lenihan would not comment. The revelations about the new campaign from the Real IRA are a matter of very serious concern. It needs to be addressed by the Department of Justice and the gardaí in co-operation with the PSNI, who must take whatever action is necessary,” he said.

A senior member of the Real IRA tried to use an interview with the Sunday Tribune to distance the group from the 1998 Omagh bombing atrocity, which left 29 people dead. However, observers of the northern situation are likely to treat the move with scepticism.

A Government spokesman said the situation in the North was under constant consideration.

“We base all our information on security assessments, not newspaper reports,” he said.