01/11/2007

IRA Going Political?

The man alleged to be one of the most senior IRA figure in Northern Ireland has been appointed as head of Sinn Fein's operations in Belfast.

This is said to be designed as an indication that the IRA's structures are being dismantled – and the republican movement converting entirely to politics.

Bobby Storey was previously named by an Ulster Unionist MP in the House of Commons in January 2005 as the IRA's head of intelligence.

He was known to be closely involved in the IRA's mass breakout from the Maze in 1983 and his home was also raided after the Northern Bank robbery, though there is no evidence he was involved.

Mr Storey is now Chair of the Sinn Fein Executive in Belfast and will ironically be responsible for developing support for the police and courts.

(BMcC)


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