INLA accused 'works for charity', court hears

A Tyrone man accused of INLA membership told gardaí during interviews that he works for the cross-border charity Teach na Fáilte, the Special Criminal Court heard today.

Edward McGarrigle (aged 43), Melmont Gardens, Strabane, Co Tyrone told gardaí that his work involves "conflict resolution".

Mr McGarrigle, as well as Neil Myles (aged 54), of no fixed abode, and John McCrossan (aged 47), Ballycoleman Estate, Strabane, Co Tyrone have all pleaded not guilty to membership the INLA on February 22 last year.

It is the prosecution’s case that the four men were involved in a plot to commit a crime at the house of a man and his family in Cork city.

Mr McGarrigle told gardaí that he is "pro-peace".

He said that Teach na Fáilte meet with ex-prisoners, both republican and loyalist.

"The nature of my work brings me into contact with persons the gardaí believe to be members of the INLA, but I do not consciously associate myself with members of the INLA."

He also said that he would be "totally flabbergasted" if the co-accused were involved in the INLA.

The trial continues.