Ahern dismisses reports of Real IRA talks

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has dismissed reports today that the Irish government had contact with the Real IRA terrorist group soon after the Omagh bombing.

He declared: "The Government had no contact whatever with the Real IRA, after Omagh,or any other times."

The declaration comes after much pressure from opposition parties Fine Gael and Labour earlier today to answer to the reported connection.

Newly elected Labour party leader Pat Rabbitte has also pledged to bring the matter forward in the Dail later this week.