Dublin man changes IRA membership plea

A Dublin man dramatically changed his plea and admitted membership of an illegal organisation during the fourth day of his trial at the Special Criminal Court today.

Mr William Clare (aged 35) of Adare Park, Coolock, pleaded guilty to membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on July 29 last year. Mr Clare had denied the charge. He was remanded in custody by Mr Justice Joseph Finnegan until the end of the trial of a second man, Mr Martin Kelly.