Man accused of IRA membership bids to have trial stopped

A Co Louth man accused of IRA membership has been granted leave by the High Court to bring proceedings aimed at stopping his prosecution.

Yesterday the High Court granted leave to Mr Barry O'Brien, a student with an address Oaktate, Stonetown, Dundalk, Co Louth who is seeking to judicially review proceedings against the Director of Public Prosecutions the decision to try him on a charge of membership of an illegal organisation in April 2004 contrary to the Offences Against the State Act.