Republican News · Thursday 24 October 2002

'Real IRA' fractures

A series of bomb alerts throughout the Six Counties on Monday 21 October were the work of the so-called Real IRA, the group responsible for the Omagh bombing.

The alerts, which brought traffic to a standstill in Belfast and in parts of Counties Antrim, Armagh and Tyrone, all turned out to be hoaxes. Belfast International Airport outside Antrim was also targeted.

These alerts followed a grenade attack on an RUC/PSNI base in Castlederg on Sunday 20 October. That device failed to explode and was dealt with by the British Army.

Monday's actions are thought to have been a response to speculation that the group was on the verge of calling a ceasefire.

In a statement issued at the weekend by prisoners in England and Portlaoise, members expressed anger that those outside were "motivated by profits from smuggling rather than any political ideals". They called for the group's army council to stand down.

The ceasefire speculation has been fuelled by rumours that members of the group's leadership who are in Portlaoise Prison in the 26 Counties believe the military campaign they are involved in is pointless and that the organisation is now so riddled with criminal elements that it has lost all credibility.

The fact that those members of the micro group on the outside seem intent on carrying on with their campaign, against the wishes of the imprisoned leaders, is an indication that the group is on the point of splitting.