IRA suspects detention challenge rejected

Two men said to be involved in a protection racket to raise funds for the dissident Irish republican group the Continuity IRA, have had their application which challenged their detention rejected by the High Court.

Martin Kelly, 46, and William Clare, 35, are alleged to have threatened to firebomb properties in Dublin and Limerick and injure those inside unless money was paid towards the terrorist group.

Kelly, from Artane, and Clare, from Coolock, were arrested on Monday and on Wednesday they were charged at the anti-terrorist Special Criminal Court with membership of the continuity IRA.

Mr Justice Abbott said he was satisfied with the evidence of Mr Maguire and both men were being detained in accordance with the law.

He said the regular extortion targets were Dublin businessmen and added: ``If such money was not paid the particular premises were to be fire-bombed, the persons attacked and those inside hurt, including females.''

They arrived and left court guarded by heavy security, including an Army unit.

Both were remanded to appear before the Special Criminal Court on Wednesday.