IRA have 'ceased involvement in criminality'

The British and Irish governments have today revealed that they believe the IRA to have ended their involvement with organised crime.

Speaking during a meeting today with Irish government representatives Michael McDowell and Dermot Ahern at Hillsborough castle, Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Hain said that although he was aware that some members of the organisation were still involved in illegal operations, he felt that this was not enough to prevent the restoration of an all-party power-sharing assembly by the November 24 deadline.

He said: "There probably is still some localised individual criminality by former and maybe existing Provisional IRA members for their own private gain.

"What there is not, is any organised 'from the centre' criminality any more.

"To that extent the IRA are delivering on their commitments made last July, not just in respect of shutting down paramilitary activity but also shutting down criminality."

He added that it was unrealistic to expect the Provisionals to deliver a state of absolute perfection in the time available.

Irish Justice Minister who has been critical of the IRA in the past, today fully backed Peter Hain's ruling.

When asked if he believed the IRA`s war was now over following its declarations and disarmament last summer, Mr McDowell said: "The Irish Government and British Government are working on that assumption, based on the evidence we have."

The DUP are now demanding more proof that the IRA has abandoned all violence and criminality before re-entering any power-sharing executive with Sinn Fein, however both the Irish and British government have warned all political parties that if they fail to reinstate a devolved government by the expected deadline, then they will take control of how Northern Ireland is governed.

The Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended in October 2002 after allegations of a republican spy ring.

This was later dismissed in court, however direct rule from London was instated at the time and has remained in place ever since.

The two governments have given the local political parties until November 24 to reach an agreement on restoring devolution, if this fails then the members get a further 12 weeks to try to form a multi-party devolved government.

Failing this, all salaries will stop.

(EF)