New IRA leader visited Portlaoise Prison to advance ceasefire talks

It is understood that a senior Belfast leader of the New IRA visited jailed members in Portlaoise Prison a few weeks ago to discuss a ceasefire. Picture: iStock

Discussions are being held to try to secure a ceasefire from the largest dissident republican group, the New IRA, it has emerged.

The Irish Examiner has been told by several sources that “discussions are taking place” and that the possibility of a ceasefire could be “significant” in terms of a reduced security threat from dissidents.