Row over IRA criminality rumbles on

The rift between members of Northern Ireland’s Policing Board and a Government minister remained open tonight as they continued to challenge his assessment of the IRA’s involvement in criminality.

The rift between members of Northern Ireland’s Policing Board and a British government minister remained open tonight as they continued to challenge his assessment of the IRA’s involvement in criminality.

Northern Ireland Office Security Minister Shaun Woodward last night questioned claims that he had been contradicted during a confidential briefing with the board on IRA and other paramilitary groups’ involvement in criminal activity.