Ahern stands by claims on SF knowledge of bank raid

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern stood by his allegations that Sinn Féin leaders knew the IRA was planning Britain’s biggest ever bank robbery tonight even though republican chiefs insisted he could not substantiate his claims.

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said Mr Ahern had only made difficulties in the Northern Ireland peace process worse by making claims he could not back up after a showdown meeting in Dublin – their first since the raid.