CIRA 'leading light' is refused bail

A Dublin man described as "a leading light" of the Continuity IRA was today refused bail at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin.

Colm Maguire (aged 29), of Cherry Orchard Court, Ballyfermot, Dublin was charged last week with membership of an illegal organisation on September 13, 2003.

The court was told that he was arrested by Special Branch detectives at a pub in Bolton St, Culin on October 7.

Opposing bail Detective Superintendent Diarmuid O' Sullivan said the accused was involved with the Continuity IRA and associated with members of that organisation in Limerick,. Dundalk and Dublin.

The Detective Superintendent added that Maguire was "a leading light" in the Continuity IRA.

Detective Superintendent O'Sullivan said that the Continuity IRA was an organisation not on ceasefire and was committed to a military campaign to alter the constitutional status of Northern Ireland.

He said he had no concerns that Maguire would not turn up for his trial but he added that if granted bail Maguire would continue to collect money and procure firearms for the Continuity IRA.

The court also heard that the accused's fingerprint was found on a black bin liner that contained a firearm.

Refusing bail Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan , presiding, said the court accepted Detective Superintendent O'Sullivan's evidence and was mindful that an accused should not serve lengthy periods in detention "while still enjoying the presumption of innocence".

He said however that the offence with which the accused was concerned was a serious one as were the apprehended offences.

The judge said that the book of evidence was due to be served in this legal term but if it was not served before December 9 it may represent a change of circumstances and the court remanded Maguire in custody until November 4.