IRA accused 'intended to pose as gardai'

A man charged with IRA membership was allegedly part of an "IRA enterprise" in which he and four co-accused intended to pose as gardai, the Special Criminal Court heard today.

Mr Stephen Birney (28) of Conquerhill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin, was arrested at Corke Abbey, Bray on October 11 in the back of a van containing items including a fluorescent jacket with 'garda' on it, two black balaclavas, three rolls of masking tape and three Motorola radios.