Two charged with INLA membership

Two Co Waterford men were charged with INLA membership at a special sitting of the Special Criminal Court in Dublin today.

The two men were each charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish National Liberation Army, otherwise the INLA contrary to the Offences Against the State Act, on June 18.

The men are John O’ Donoghue, (aged 26), of Clonard Park, Ballybeg, Co Waterford and James Butler (aged 55), of Ardmore Park, Ballybeg, Co Waterford.

Detective Garda Alan O’ Connor, Special Detective Unit, gave evidence of arresting O’ Donoghue at Ballybricken, Waterford at 11.25pm last night on suspicion of INLA membership.

Detective Garda O’Connor said that O’Donoghue replied: "I want my solicitor".

The Detective Garda said that when he told O’Donoghue that the DPP had directed that he be brought to the Special Criminal Court for charging , he replied: "I am not a member of the INLA".

Detective Sergeant Anthony Pettit, Waterford , told the court that he arrested Butler at 11.23 pm last night at Market St, Waterford. He said that Butler said "no" after he was cautioned.

Prosecution solicitor, Mr Liam Mulholland said that there was no objection by the State on principle to bail but the gardai required notice of proposed bailspersons.

Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding at the three-judge court, remanded both men in custody until Friday when a bail application is expected to be heard.