SDLP slams lack of IRA comment on Belfast bank raid

The SDLP has criticised the IRA for not saying clearly whether it was involved in last month's £22m (€31.2m) heist at Northern Bank headquarters in Belfast.

In its new year message, published today, the IRA criticised what it said were attempts by the Irish and British governments to criminalise and demonise republicans, but made no mention of the December 20 robbery. There was a general comment denying involvement in criminality.