Labour join in Real IRA row

The Taoiseach is under increasing pressure to make a full statement in response to reports that the government had secret talks with the Real IRA not long after the Omagh bombing in 1998.

Newly elected Labour party leader Pat Rabbite says actions taking place in the Dail were not consistent if officials were in contact with the Real IRA.

"These events were taking place at the very time that the Dail had been recalled by the Taoiseach to enact an amendment to the Offences Against the State Act which gave the Gardai significant additional powers that the government insisted were necessary to deal with the Real IRA."

TD Mr Rabbitte insists he will be raising the matter with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern during the week.