1986: Fury over 'invasion' — Loyalist leader held after rally in Clontibret, Co Monaghan

'Mr. Ian Paisley’s right-hand man was questioned for most of the day about his part in the Loyalist "takeover" ... during which two unarmed gardai were beaten up'

Gardaí chasing suspects after petrol bombs were launched as Peter Robinson and his supporters marched through Clontibret, Co Monaghan in August, 1986. Picture: Alan Lewis/Photopress Belfast

NORTHERN IRELAND MP Mr. Peter Robinson is still being detained at Monaghan Garda Station early this morning following a Loyalist cross-Border raid into the Republic.

The DUP deputy leader, who is reported to be on hunger strike, was arrested in the Republic under Section 30 of the Offences against the State Act at 2.30am on Thursday and brought to Monaghan Garda Station. 

Early this morning the detention order was extended for another 24 hours. 

Asked if Mr. Robinson was on hunger strike, his wife, Iris, who had just visited him, said: "He is refusing to accept Peter Barry's hospitality."

Mr. Ian Paisley’s right-hand man was questioned for most of the day about his part in the Loyalist "takeover" of Clontibret village on the Monaghan/Armagh border during which two unarmed gardai were beaten up and an unmanned Garda station was attacked by a Loyalist "invasion force" of 150.

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Foreign Affairs Minister Mr. Peter Barry is expected to make a major statement today slamming the Loyalists for the incursion. 

This will be the first official Government response to the incident, and Mr. Barry, who is due to speak in Bantry, Co. Cork this evening, is also expected to make explicit reference to the IRA’s latest threat to companies servicing the security services in the North.

This article is part of the  Irish Examiner series looking back at 1986 in print, ePaper, and online. You can see the other articles as they go online by clicking on that link

Meanwhile the Ulster Freedom Fighters have issued their own death list. They have threatened to kill any Catholics linked to the IRA or its support organisations. 

And they have warned Catholics not to work, or look for work, in Loyalist areas until the IRA withdraws its death threats.

A special report on yesterday's "invasion" is being prepared for Justice Minister Mr. Alan Dukes, and the issue is expected to be discussed by the Cabinet.

On August 9 (the day after this news story) The 'Cork Examiner' reported that Peter Robinson was released on bail from a court in Monaghan and then travelled across the border to Keady, Co Armagh, where his address to loyalist supporters 'sparked a riot'. Picture: Irish Examiner Archive

Sources close to the Government indicated that Mr. Robinson's detention was regarded as a matter for the gardaí and the Director for Public Prosecutions.

Northern Secretary Mr. Tom King denounced the Loyalist operation as a disgrace which had seriously damaged the Province's image. Britain has also apologised to the Irish Government. 

Mr. Robinson denied that the seizure of Clontibret had been a political stunt designed to embarrass both London and Dublin who claimed to have stepped up security under the Anglo-Irish agreement.

In a radio interview from Monaghan Garda Station he said South Armagh had a gaping hole with no sign of security on either side of the Border. 

"If about 500 men can walk around in what is supposed to be bandit country, how much easier must it be for the IRA going in ones and twos?” he said.

• This article originally appeared in the Cork Examiner on August 8, 1986