Bruton joins attack on 'existence of the IRA'

Former Taoiseach John Bruton today backed ministerial attacks on the continued presence of the IRA.

Echoing views expressed by current Justice Minister Michael McDowell, he also claimed: “The mere existence of the IRA is a crime.”

Mr Bruton, head of government in Dublin for three years from 1994, said questions about Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams ever being a member of the IRA or about the organisation’s involvement in crime were “beside the point“.

He added: “These are interesting, but secondary issues. The primary issue is the fact that the IRA exist at all, and the fact that its continued existence is supported by a political party, Sinn Féin, which has seats in the Dáil.

“Quite literally, the mere existence of the IRA is a crime.

“It is specifically forbidden by both the Constitution and our laws. Its existence is an affront to the authority of our state, and a standing insult to the real Irish Army.

“The foundation of any democratic order is an acceptance that the democratic authorities of the state have a monopoly in the use of force. Sinn Féin and the IRA reject that and that is not tolerable in a democracy.”

Mr Bruton said the appearance of people in military uniform at Sinn Féin Easter Rising anniversary events earlier this week, was “something that would not be tolerated in a normal European democracy”.

He declared: “The IRA is a Mafia. It works in secret, is accountable to no one, and uses violence.

"The only difference is that the Mafia killed proportionately far less people than did the IRA.”

The ex-premier’s intervention prompted an attack on Mr Bruton tonight by Sinn Féin.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, the party’s leader in the Dáil, said: “Mr Bruton continues to engage in competition with Minister McDowell for the prize of Sinn Féin-basher of the week.

“It is all quite futile. Both of them know that the IRA cannot be wished away.“