RSF condemns breakaway Limerick group

Republican Sinn Fein has accused a new splinter organisation operating under the name ‘Real Sinn Fein’ of engaging in a “policy of disinformation” against their former colleagues.

Since the split, ‘Real Sinn Fein’, formerly the Limerick Independent Republican Organisation (LIRO), has issued press statements, primarily dealing with issues relating to Limerick.

While ‘Real Sinn Fein’ is based in Limerick, there have been claims that it also has groups in Belfast, Derry and Armagh.

The dispute is apparently centred on Republican Sinn Fein’s general policy of opposing republican unity efforts.

“Republican Sinn Fein is intact throughout the country,” the organisation said in a statement.

“A small number have left the organisation but in some areas people have returned to the Movement.

“At meetings in Munster, Leinster, Connacht, Ulster and London members of the organisation reaffirmed their allegiance to Republican Sinn Fein and the aims and objectives of the Republican Movement.

“We have received messages of support from supporters in the USA and in Europe.”

It said ‘Real Sinn Fein’ was “made up.. with the same initials as Republican Sinn Fein with the clear purpose of creating the maximum amount of confusion in the people’s mind.

“Republicans reject the spin of these self-serving individuals and their media friends.”

The Continuity IRA also issued a statement condemning and denying newspaper claims that a militant northern-based faction had ‘overthrown’ the leadership of the organisation.

The claims made in the establishment media referred to what was described as an “extraordinary” Continuity IRA convention held in Bettystown in County Meath in the early summer.

Delegates at the convention were said to have elected a new 12-member ruling executive, which in turn appointed a new seven-member army council.

In an interview with the Sunday Times of June 6 a spokesperson for the splinter group urged the leadership of the Real IRA (RIRA) and of Oglaigh na h-Eireann (ONH) to unite with them.

In a statement to Saoirse, the RSF newsletter, the Continuity IRA blasted the claims as “a tissue of falsehood and fabrication mixed with gross exaggerations.

“It is the culmination of a campaign of untruth that began at the end of September last when a change in the Presidency of Republican Sinn Fein was announced to a meeting of An Ard Chomhairle.

“The tabloid press was the vehicle used Sunday after Sunday to sow distrust and confusion in the ranks.

“The leadership believes that elements now associated with the splinter group were responsible for this activity.”

Urgent Appeal