Senior garda 'satisfied' Dublin man is IRA member

A senior garda witness has told the Special Criminal Court that he is satisfied a Dublin man on trial for membership of the IRA is a member of an unlawful organisation, and was involved in subversive activity for a time prior to his arrest.

In his evidence, Chief Superintendent Declan Coburn said he was basing his belief on confidential information that had been received by the Special Detective Unit from an informant.

Under cross-examination, the witness denied that he formed the belief Criostoir MacCarthaigh was an IRA member on or after the day he was arrested.

Thirty-three-year-old Mr Mac Carthaigh, of An Gleann, Baile Phamar (Palmerstown), was arrested after gardaí intercepted two cars that were travelling in convoy near Lucan on March 28, 2009.

The court heard that gardaí believed the accused was travelling with a gang of alleged IRA members to a fundraiser, and may have had firearms in his possession.

Boiler suits, cable ties, balaclavas and two knives were discovered during searches of the vehicles, but no firearms were found.

The accused was subsequently charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself on the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA.

He denies the charge. His three companions were neither convicted nor charged with membership.

Counsel for the defence, Mr Diarmaid McGuinness SC, suggested to Superintendent Coburn that he was wrong in his belief that the accused was an IRA member.

“No. I wouldn't be sitting here if I thought I was wrong," Superintendent Coburn replied.

Closing speeches will be heard tomorrow.