Real Irish Republican Army

Infobox Organization
name = Real Irish Republican Army
"(Óglaigh na hÉireann)"


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msize =
mcaption = Northern Ireland shown in Red
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formation = November 1997
extinction =
type = Paramilitary
headquarters =
location =
membership = Approximately 150Fact|date=September 2008
language =
leader_title =
leader_name =
key_people = Army Council
num_staff =
budget =
website = The Real Irish Republican Army, otherwise known as the Real IRA (RIRA) or True IRA [cite web | title = 'True' IRA claims responsibility for blast | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/events/northern_ireland/latest_news/90405.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 10 May 1998 | accessdate = 2007-05-08] and styling itself as "Óglaigh na hÉireann" (Volunteers of Ireland), is a paramilitary organisation which aims to bring about a United Ireland. The RIRA was formed in 1997 following a split in the Provisional Irish Republican Army. It is an illegal organisation in the Republic of Ireland and designated as a terrorist organisation in the United Kingdom and the United States. The organisation has been responsible for a number of bombings in Northern Ireland and England, including the 15 August 1998 Omagh bombing, which killed 29 people.

Origins

IrishROn 10 October 1997 a Provisional IRA General Army Convention was held in Falcarragh, County Donegal. At the convention Provisional IRA Quartermaster General Michael McKevitt, also a member of the 12-person Provisional IRA Executive, denounced the leadership and called for an end to the group's ceasefire and participation in the Northern Ireland peace process. He was backed by his common-law wife and fellow Executive member Bernadette Sands-McKevitt. The pair were outmanoeuvred by the leadership, and a key ally, Kevin McKenna, was voted off the Army Council leaving the pair isolated.cite book | last = Harnden | first = Toby | authorlink = Toby Harnden | title = Bandit Country | publisher = Hodder & Stoughton | date = 1999 | pages = pp. 429-431 | month = | isbn = 034071736X] [cite book | last = English | first = Richard | authorlink = Richard English | title = Armed Struggle: The History of the IRA | publisher = Pan Books | date = 2003 | pages = p. 296 | doi = | isbn = 0-330-49388-4] The convention backed the orthodox pro-ceasefire line, and on 26 October McKevitt and Sands-McKevitt resigned from the Executive along with several other members. [cite book | author = John Mooney & Michael O'Toole | title = Black Operations: The Secret War Against the Real IRA | publisher = Maverick House | date = 2004 | pages = p. 33 | month = | isbn = 0-9542945-9-9] In November 1997 McKevitt and other dissidents held a meeting in a farmhouse in Oldcastle, County Meath, and a new organisation styling itself "Óglaigh na hÉireann" was formed. [Mooney & O'Toole, pp. 38-39.] The organisation attracted disaffected Provisional IRA members from the republican stronghold of South Armagh, as well as other areas including Dublin, Belfast, Limerick, Tipperary, County Louth, County Tyrone and County Monaghan. [Mooney & O'Toole, p. 47.]

Objectives

The RIRA's ultimate objective is a United Ireland by forcing British withdrawal from Northern Ireland through the use of physical force. The organisation rejects the Mitchell Principles and the Belfast Agreement, comparing the latter to the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty which resulted in the partition of Ireland.cite web | title = 'Real' Irish Republican Army (rIRA) Statement | author = | url = http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/othelem/organ/ira/rira280103.htm | publisher = CAIN | date = 28 January 2003 | accessdate = 2007-05-09] The organisation aims to uphold an uncompromising form of Irish republicanism and opposes any political settlement that falls short of Irish unity and independence. Sands-McKevitt, sister of hunger striker Bobby Sands and a founder of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement (alleged to be the RIRA's "political wing"), said in an interview that "Bobby did not die for cross-border bodies with executive powers. He did not die for nationalists to be equal British citizens within the Northern Ireland state". [English, pp. 316-317.] The RIRA adopts similar tactics to those used by the Provisional IRA in the 1990s, primarily using bombs in town centres to damage the economic infrastructure of Northern Ireland. The organisation also attempts to kill members of the security forces using land mines, home-made mortars and car bombs, and targets England using incendiary and car bombs to spread terror and disruption.cite web | title = The Real IRA: after Omagh, what now? | author = Sean Boyne | url = http://www.janes.com/security/international_security/news/jir/jir980824_1_n.shtml | publisher = Jane's Information Group | date = 24 August 1998 | accessdate = 2007-07-16]

Early campaign

The organisation's first action was an attempted bombing in Banbridge, County Down on 7 January 1998. The plot involved a 300 lb car bomb, but it was thwarted after being defused by security forces. [Mooney & O'Toole, pp. 68-71.] [cite web | title = Police detonate car bomb in Ulster | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/45270.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 7 January 1998 | accessdate = 2007-05-08] The organisation continued its campaign in late February, with bombings in Moira, County Down and Portadown, County Armagh. [Mooney & O'Toole, p. 87.] [cite web | title = Eleven injured by Northern Ireland bomb | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/58729.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 21 February 1998 | accessdate = 2007-05-08] [cite web | title = Car bomb explodes in Portadown | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/59314.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 23 February 1998 | accessdate = 2007-05-08] On 9 May the organisation formally announced its existence in a coded telephone call to Belfast media claiming responsibility for a mortar attack on a police station in Belleek, County Fermanagh. [cite web | title = 'True' IRA claims responsibility for blast | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/events/northern_ireland/latest_news/90405.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 10 May 1998 | accessdate = 2007-05-08] The name "Real IRA" entered common usage when members staged an illegal roadblock in Jonesborough, County Armagh and told motorists "We're from the IRA. The Real IRA". The organisation also carried out attacks in Newtownhamilton and Newry, [cite web | title = Abstracts on Organisations - 'R' | author = | url = http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/othelem/organ/rorgan.htm | publisher = CAIN | date = | accessdate = 2007-05-05] and a second attack in Banbridge on 1 August injured 35 people and caused £3.5 million of damage when a 500 lb car bomb exploded. [cite web | title = World News Briefs; Car Bomb Wounds 35 in Ulster Town | author = | url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9403E3D71E38F931A3575BC0A96E958260 | publisher = "New York Times" | date = 2 August 1998 | accessdate = 2007-06-17] [cite web | title = Bomb warning in Banbridge | author = | url = http://www.rte.ie/news/1999/0213/banbridge.html | publisher = RTÉ | date = 13 February 1999 | accessdate = 2007-06-17] Despite these attacks the RIRA lacked a significant base and was heavily infiltrated by informers. This led to a series of high profile arrests and seizures by the Garda Síochána in the first half of 1998, including the death of member Rónán Mac Lochlainn who was shot dead trying to escape from police following an attempted robbery of a security van in County Wicklow. [Mooney & O'Toole, pp. 70-71, 101-102, 124-129.] [cite web | title = Shot robber 'was republican paramilitary' | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/events/northern_ireland/latest_news/87549.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 4 May 1998 | accessdate = 2007-05-08]

Omagh bombing

On 15 August 1998 the RIRA left a car containing 500 lb of home-made explosives in the centre of Omagh, County Tyrone. The bombers could not find a parking space near the intended target of the courthouse, and the car was left 400 metres away.Mooney & O'Toole, pp. 211-212.] cite web | title = The Omagh Bomb - Main Events | author = | url = http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/events/omagh/events.htm | publisher = CAIN | date = | accessdate = 2007-06-28] As a result three inaccurate telephone warnings were issued, and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) believed the bomb was actually located outside the courthouse. They attempted to establish a security cordon to keep civilians clear of the area, which inadvertently pushed people closer to the actual location of the bomb. Shortly after, the bomb exploded killing 29 people and injuring 220 others, in what became the single, deadliest strike of the Troubles.

The bombing caused a major outcry throughout the world, and the Irish and British governments introduced new anti-terror legislation in an attempt to destroy the organisation. [Mooney & O'Toole, p. 232.] [cite web | title = MPs recalled to match Dublin anti-terror law | author = Michael White | url = http://politics.guardian.co.uk/commons/story/0,,795891,00.html | publisher = "The Guardian" | date = 25 August 1998 | accessdate = 2007-05-06] The RIRA also came under pressure from the Provisional IRA, when Provisional IRA members visited the homes of 60 people connected with the RIRA and ordered them to disband and stop interfering with Provisional IRA arms dumps. [cite web | title = Give up violence or else, Provos tell the 'Real IRA' | author = Sean O'Neill | url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/htmlContent.jhtml?html=/archive/1998/09/04/nuls104.html | publisher = "The Daily Telegraph" | date = 4 May 1998 | accessdate = 2007-05-08] With the organisation under intense pressure, which included McKevitt and Sands-McKevitt being forced from their home after the media named McKevitt in connection with the bombing, the RIRA called a ceasefire on 8 September. [cite web | title = Candlelight vigil for bomb victims | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/events/northern_ireland/latest_news/154720.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 20 August 1998 | accessdate = 2007-05-05] [cite web | title = 1998: Real IRA announce ceasefire | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/september/8/newsid_2503000/2503633.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 8 September 1998 | accessdate = 2007-05-05]

Ceasefire

Following the declaration of the ceasefire the RIRA began to regroup, and by the end of October had elected a new leadership and were planning their future direction.Mooney & O'Toole, pp. 257-260.] In late December Irish government representative Martin Mansergh held a meeting with McKevitt in Dundalk, in an attempt to convince McKevitt to disband the RIRA. McKevitt refused, stating that members would be left defenceless to attacks by the Provisional IRA. In 1999 the RIRA began preparations for a renewed campaign, and in May three members travelled across Europe to Split in Croatia to purchase arms which were subsequently smuggled back to Ireland. [cite book | last = Boyne | first = Sean | authorlink = | title = Gunrunners | publisher = O'Brien Press | date = 2006 | pages = pp. 381-382 | doi = | isbn = 978-1847170149] On 20 October ten people were arrested when Gardaí raided a RIRA training camp near Stamullen, County Meath. [cite web | title = Garda chief pledges to halt the Real IRA | author = Tom Brady | url = http://www.independent.ie/national-news/garda-chief-pledges-to-halt-the-real-ira-394558.html | publisher = Independent.ie | date = 22 October 1998 | accessdate = 2007-06-15] Officers found a firing range inside a disused wine cellar being used as an underground bunker, and seized weapons including an assault rifle, a submachine gun, a semi-automatic pistol and an RPG-18 rocket launcher. [Mooney & O'Toole, pp. 314-315.] An earlier version of the rocket launcher, the RPG-7, had been in the possession of the Provisional IRA from as early as 1972, but this was the first time the RPG-18 had been found in the possession of a paramilitary organisation in Ireland.cite web | title = Real IRA arms purchasing in Croatia indicates a change of tactics | author = | url = http://www.janes.com/security/international_security/news/jtsm/jtsm000823_1_n.shtml | publisher = Jane's Information Group | date = 23 August 2000 | accessdate = 2007-06-28]

Return to activity

On 20 January 2000 the RIRA issued a call-to-arms in a statement to the "Irish News". The statement condemned the Northern Ireland Executive, and stated "Once again, Óglaigh na hÉireann declares the right of the Irish people to the ownership of Ireland. We call on all volunteers loyal to the Irish Republic to unite to uphold the Republic and establish a permanent national parliament representative of all the people". [Mooney & O'Toole, p. 326.] [cite web | title = Real IRA call for unity among all Republicans | author = | url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2000/0120/north.html | publisher = RTÉ | date = 20 January 2000 | accessdate = 2007-06-15] The RIRA launched its new campaign on 25 February with an attempted bombing of Shackleton Army Barracks in Ballykelly. The bombers were disturbed as they were assembling the device, which would have caused mass murder if detonated, according to soldiers. [cite web | title = Police quiz man about bombing | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/656770.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 28 February 2000 | accessdate = 2007-06-15] [cite web | title = Real IRA behind bid to blow up barracks | author = Tom Brady | url = http://www.independent.ie/national-news/real-ira-behind-bid-to-blow-up-barracks-383691.html | publisher = Independent.ie | date = 29 February 2000 | accessdate = 2007-06-15] On 29 February a rocket launcher similar to one seized in the 1999 raid was found near an army base in Dungannon, County Tyrone, [cite web | title = Rocket launcher linked to dissidents | author = Tom Brady | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/661265.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 29 February 2000 | accessdate = 2007-06-15] and on 15 March three men were arrested following the discovery of 500 lb of home-made explosives when the RUC searched two cars in Hillsborough, County Down. [cite web | title = Explosives find linked to Real IRA | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/679353.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 16 March 2000 | accessdate = 2007-06-15] On 6 April a bomb attack took place at Ebrington Army Barracks in Derry. RIRA members lowered a device consisting of 5 lb of home made explosives over the perimeter fence using ropes, and the bomb subsequently exploded damaging the fence and an unmanned guardhouse. [cite web | title = Bombing blamed on dissidents | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/703814.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 6 April 2000 | accessdate = 2007-06-15] [Mooney & O'Toole, p. 335.]

Bombings in England

After the Omagh bombing, the RIRA leadership were unwilling to launch a full-scale campaign in Northern Ireland due to the possibility of civilians being killed.Mooney & O'Toole, p. 338.] Instead they decided to launch a series of attacks in England, in particular London, which they hoped would attract disenchanted Provisional IRA members to join the RIRA. On 1 June 2000 a bomb damaged Hammersmith Bridge; a symbolic target for Irish republican paramilitary groups. [cite web | title = Police hunt bridge bombers | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/774216.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 2 June 2000 | accessdate = 2007-05-06] [cite web | title = Real IRA armed with super mortar | author = Henry McDonald | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/Northern_Ireland/Story/0,,328022,00.html | publisher = "The Guardian" | date = 4 June 2000 | accessdate = 2007-06-15] The bridge had previously been targeted by the Irish Republican Army on 29 March 1939 as part of its Sabotage Campaign, and by the Provisional IRA on 24 April 1996. [cite web | title = Bridge survives as IRA's 30lb bombs fail to explode | author = Colin Randall | url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/htmlContent.jhtml?html=/archive/1996/04/26/nbomb26.html | publisher = "The Daily Telegraph" | date = 26 April 1996 | accessdate = 2007-06-15] One month later on 19 July, security forces carried out a controlled explosion on a bomb left at Ealing Broadway station and public transport was disrupted when the Metropolitan Police closed Victoria and Paddington train stations and halted services on the London Underground. [cite web | title = Bomb scares hit capital | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/840694.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 19 July 2000 | accessdate = 2007-05-05] On 21 September a rocket propelled grenade was fired at the MI6 headquarters using an RPG-22 rocket launcher, [cite web | title = Security tight in London in wake of MI6 attack | author = | url = http://rte.ie/news/2000/0921/dissidents.html | publisher = RTÉ | date = 21 September 2000 | accessdate = 2007-05-03] Boyne, p. 384.] which generated headlines around the world. [Mooney & O'Toole, pp. 349-350.] On 21 February 2001 a bomb disguised as a torch left outside a Territorial Army base in Shepherd's Bush seriously injured a 14-year-old cadet, who was blinded and had his hand blown off. [cite web | title = TA blast was deliberate attack | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1183106.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 22 February 2001 | accessdate = 2007-06-15] [cite web | title = BBC bomb prompts terror warning | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1201444.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 5 March 2001 | accessdate = 2007-06-15] A second attack in Shepherd's Bush, the 4 March BBC bombing, injured a civilian outside the BBC Television Centre. [cite web | title = Bomb blast outside BBC | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1201273.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 4 March 2001 | accessdate = 2007-05-03] The explosion was captured by a BBC cameraman, and the footage was broadcast on TV stations worldwide, and gained mass publicity for the group. [cite book | last = Taylor | first = Peter | authorlink = Peter Taylor (Journalist) | title = Brits | publisher = Bloomsbury Publishing | date = 2001 | pages = p. 384 | doi = | isbn = 0-7475-5806-X] On 14 April a bomb exploded at a postal sorting office in Hendon, causing minor damage but no injuries. [cite web | title = Real IRA linked to post office blast | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1278355.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 15 April 2001 | accessdate = 2007-06-15] Three weeks later on 6 May a second bomb exploded at the same building, causing slight injuries to a passer-by. [cite web | title = Election bombing campaign feared | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1315452.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 6 May 2001 | accessdate = 2007-06-15] The 3 August Ealing bombing injured seven people, and on 3 November a car bomb containing 60 lb of home-made explosives was planted in the centre of Birmingham. The bomb did not fully detonate and no one was injured. [cite web | title = New leads in hunt for bombers | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/1649338.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 11 November 2001 | accessdate = 2007-05-03]

Renewed campaign in Northern Ireland

The successful attack on Hammersmith Bridge encouraged the RIRA leadership to launch further attacks in Northern Ireland.Mooney & O'Toole, p. 340.] On 19 June 2000 a bomb was found in the grounds of Hillsborough Castle, home of Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Peter Mandelson. [cite web | title = Mandelson feels 'safe' despite device | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/798309.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 20 June 2000 | accessdate = 2007-06-28] On 30 June a bomb exploded on the Dublin to Belfast railway line near the village of Meigh in County Armagh. The explosion damaged the tracks, and caused disruption to train services. [cite web | title = Dissidents linked to railway blast | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/812563.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 30 June 2000 | accessdate = 2007-06-28] On 9 July a car bomb damaged buildings in Stewartstown, County Tyrone including an RUC station, [cite web | title = Dissidents linked to NI blast | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/825178.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 9 July 2000 | accessdate = 2007-06-28] [Mooney & O'Toole, p. 361.] and on 10 August an attack in Derry was thwarted by the RUC after a van containing a 500 lb bomb failed to stop at a police checkpoint. Following a car chase the bombers escaped across the Irish border, and the Irish Army carried out a controlled explosion on the bomb after the van was found abandoned in County Donegal. [cite web | title = Major NI bomb attack 'thwarted' | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/875812.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 11 August 2000 | accessdate = 2007-06-28] Mooney & O'Toole, pp. 347-348.] On 13 September two 80 lb bombs were planted at the Magilligan army camp in County Londonderry, one of which was planted in a wooden hut and partially exploded when a soldier opened the door to the hut. The second bomb was found during a follow-up search and made safe by bomb disposal experts. [cite web | title = Bombs placed in army base | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/922958.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 13 September 2000 | accessdate = 2007-06-28] On 11 November the RUC and British Army prevented a mortar attack after stopping a van near Derrylin, County Fermanagh, [cite web | title = Mortar find linked to Real IRA | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/1021000.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 13 November 2000 | accessdate = 2007-06-28] and the RUC prevented a further attack on 13 January 2001 when an 1100 lb bomb was found in Armagh — the largest bomb found in several years according to the RUC. [cite web | title = Bomb 'largest found' in recent years | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/1122561.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 17 January 2001 | accessdate = 2007-06-28] [Mooney & O'Toole, p. 374.]

On 23 January the RIRA attacked Ebrington Army Barracks in Derry for a second time, firing a mortar over a perimeter fence. [cite web | title = Dissident Republicans blamed for mortar attack | author = | url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2001/0123/bomb.html | publisher = RTÉ | date = 23 January 2001 | accessdate = 2007-06-28] Mooney & O'Toole, pp. 375-376.] A mortar similar to the one used in the attack was found by Gardaí near Newtowncunningham on 13 February, and British army bomb disposal experts made safe another mortar found between Dungannon and Carrickmore on 12 April. [cite web | title = 'Barrack buster' mortar disarmed | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/1274997.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 15 April 2001 | accessdate = 2007-06-28] On 1 August a 40 lb bomb was discovered in a car at the long stay car park of Belfast International Airport following a telephone warning, and was made safe with two controlled explosions by bomb disposal experts. [cite web | title = Dissidents blamed for airport bomb | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/1469573.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 2 August 2001 | accessdate = 2007-06-28] In December a six day security operation ended when a 70 lb bomb found under railway tracks at Killeen Bridge near Newry was successfully defused. The operation began following a number of telephone warnings, and both the road and railway line connecting Newry to Dundalk were closed due to security alerts. [cite web | title = Bomb found under rail line | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/1692599.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 5 December 2001 | accessdate = 2007-06-28] A pipe bomb was discovered at a police officer's home in Annalong on 3 January 2002, [cite web | title = Republicans 'attacked officer's home' | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/1742240.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 4 January 2002 | accessdate = 2007-06-28] and two teenage boys were injured in County Armagh on 2 March when a bomb hidden in a traffic cone exploded. [cite web | title = Boys injured in blast | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/1852162.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 3 March 2002 | accessdate = 2007-06-28] On 1 August a civilian worker was killed by an explosion at a Territorial Army base in Derry. The man, a 51-year-old former member of the Ulster Defence Regiment, was the thirtieth person killed by the RIRA, and the last to date. [cite web | title = Dissidents blamed for army attack | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/2166312.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 1 August 2002 | accessdate = 2007-06-28]

Arrests

Despite the RIRA's renewed activity, the organisation became increasingly weaker due to the arrest of key members and continued infiltration by informers. McKevitt was arrested on 29 March 2001 and charged with membership of an illegal organisation and directing terrorism, and remanded into custody. [Mooney & O'Toole, pp. 378-381.] In July 2001, following the arrests of McKevitt and other RIRA members, British and Irish government sources hinted that the organisation was now in disarray. [cite web | title = Real IRA a 'high threat' | author = | url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2003/04/08/ureal.xml | publisher = "The Daily Telegraph" | date = 8 April 2003 | accessdate = 2007-05-03] Other key figures were jailed, including the RIRA's Director of Operations, Liam Campbell, who was convicted of membership of an illegal organisation, [cite web | title = Dissidents dub IRA 'traitors' | author = Shane Harrison | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/1617836.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 24 October 2001 | accessdate = 2007-05-05] and Colm Murphy who was convicted of conspiring to cause the Omagh bombing, [cite web | title = Omagh bomb plot man is sentenced to 14 years' jail | author = David McKittrick | url = http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/ulster/article216067.ece | publisher = "The Independent" | date = 26 January 2002 | accessdate = 2007-04-17] although this conviction was later overturned on appeal. [cite web | title = Omagh bombing convict wins appeal | author = David McKittrick | url = http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/ulster/article16056.ece | publisher = "The Independent" | date = 21 January 2005 | accessdate = 2007-04-17]

On 10 April 2002, Ruairi Convey, from Donaghmede, Dublin was jailed for three years for membership of the RIRA. During a search of his home a list of names and home addresses of members of the Gardaí's Emergency Response Unit was found. [cite web | title = Dissident republican jailed for IRA membership | author = | url = http://archives.tcm.ie/breakingnews/2002/04/10/story46042.asp | publisher = BreakingNews.ie | date = 10 April 2002 | accessdate = 2007-05-03] Five RIRA members were also convicted in connection with the 2001 bombing campaign in England, and received sentences varying from 16 years to 22 years imprisonment. [cite web | title = Real IRA bombers jailed | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2930957.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 9 April 2003 | accessdate = 2007-05-05] In October 2002, McKevitt and other RIRA members imprisoned in Portlaoise Prison issued a statement calling for the organisation to stand down. [Mooney & O'Toole, pp. 410-411.] [cite web | title = Real IRA announces its disbandment | author = | url = http://www.rte.ie/news/2002/1020/realira.html | publisher = RTÉ | date = 20 October 2002 | accessdate = 2007-05-03] After a two-month trial, McKevitt was sentenced to twenty years imprisonment in August 2003 after being convicted of directing terrorism. [cite web | title = McKevitt sentenced to 20 years | author = | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/Northern_Ireland/Story/0,,1014172,00.html | publisher = "The Guardian" | date = 7 August 2003 | accessdate = 2007-05-03]

ubsequent activities

Since McKevitt's imprisonment, the RIRA has regrouped and continues to be active in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The RIRA claimed responsibility for a series of firebomb attacks against premises in Belfast in November 2004, [cite web | title = Firebomb campaign hits Belfast | author = Angelique Chrisafis | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1360118,00.html | publisher = "The Guardian" | date = 26 November 2004 | accessdate = 2007-05-03] and an attack on a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) patrol in Ballymena during March 2006 was attributed to the RIRA by the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC).cite journal | last = Independent Monitoring Commission | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Twelfth report of the Independent Monitoring Commission | journal = | volume = | issue = | pages = 12–13 | date = 4 October 2006 | publisher = The Stationery Office | url = http://www.independentmonitoringcommission.org/documents/uploads/IMC%2012th%20Report%20pdf.pdf | format = PDF | id = | accessdate = 2007-05-06] On 9 August 2006 a number of fire bomb attacks by the RIRA hit businesses in Newry, County Down. Buildings belonging to JJB Sports and Carpetright were destroyed, and ones belonging to MFI and TK Maxx were badly damaged. [cite web | title = Real IRA admits city bomb attacks | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4783953.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 11 August 2006 | accessdate = 2007-05-03] On 27 October 2006, a large amount of explosives were found in Kilbranish, Mount Leinster, County Carlow by police, who believe the RIRA were trying to derail the peace process with a bomb attack. [cite web | title = Irish police 'foil Real IRA plot' | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/6094660.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 28 October 2006 | accessdate = 2007-05-03] The IMC believe the RIRA was also responsible for a failed mortar attack on Craigavon PSNI Station on 4 December 2006. [cite web | title = Device is fired at police station | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6206266.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 4 December 2006 | accessdate = 2007-05-06] cite journal | last = Independent Monitoring Commission | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Fifteenth report of the Independent Monitoring Commission | journal = | volume = | issue = | pages = 12 | date = 25 April 2007 | publisher = The Stationery Office | url = http://www.independentmonitoringcommission.org/documents/uploads/ACFAAB.pdf | format = PDF | id = | accessdate = 2007-05-06] The IMC's October 2006 report stated that the RIRA remains "active and dangerous" and that it seeks to "sustain its position as a terrorist organisation". The RIRA has previously stated it has no intention of calling a ceasefire unless a declaration of intent to withdraw from Northern Ireland is made by the British Government.

On 8 November 2007 two RIRA members shot an off-duty Catholic PSNI officer as he sat in his car on Bishop Street in Derry, causing injuries to his face and arm.cite news |title= Policeman injured in gun attack |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7091544.stm |work= BBC News |date= 2007-11-12 |accessdate=2007-11-12 ] On 12 November another PSNI member was shot by RIRA members in Dungannon, County Tyrone. [cite web | title = Real IRA admits shooting officer | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7095156.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 14 November 2007 | accessdate = 2007-11-14] On 7 February 2008, the RIRA stated that, after experiencing a three-year period of reorganisation, it intends to "go back to war" by launching a new offensive against "legitimate targets". It also, despite having initially apologised for the Omagh bombing, [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/events/northern_ireland/focus/153629.stm "Real IRA apologises for Omagh bomb"] . BBC News. Published August 18, 1998.] denied any large scale involvement with the attack and said that their part had only gone as far as their codeword being used. [http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/UH/free/349259728115496.php "Mackey slams Provos as RIRA vows resumption of violence".] " [http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/UH/uhhomepage.php The Ulster Herald] ". Published February 7, 2008.] On 12 May 2008 the RIRA seriously injured a member of the PSNI when a booby trap bomb exploded underneath his car near Spamount, County Tyrone. [cite web | title = Officer hurt by booby-trap bomb | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7397420.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 13 May 2008 | accessdate = 2008-05-22] [cite web | title = Murder bid admitted by Real IRA | author = Diana Rusk | url = http://www.irishnews.com/appnews/540/5860/2008/5/16/587806_345515892637Murderbid.html | publisher = "The Irish News" | date = 16 May 2008 | accessdate = 2008-05-22] On the 26 May' 2008 the RIRA left an incendiary device in JJB sports in Belfast. The device partially exploded during the night causing some damage to the store. There were no injuries. [http://www.drapersonline.com/multiples/news/2008/05/bomb_found_in_jjb_in_belfast.html] [http://www.stratfor.com/northern_ireland_real_iras_capabilities] On the 25th of September 2008 an alleged drug dealer was shot in the neck in Donegal, near the Derry border. A number of newspapers state that the RIRA were behind the attack. [http://www.sundayjournal.ie/news/REALS-BEHIND-DONEGAL-SHOOTING.4535469.jp Reals behind Donegal shooting]

tructure and status

The RIRA has a similar command structure to the Provisional IRA, with a seven member Army Council consisting of a Chief of Staff, Quartermaster General, Director of Training, Director of Operations, Director of Finance, Director of Publicity and Adjutant General. [Mooney & O'Toole, pp. 40-45.] The rank-and-file members operate in Active Service Units of covert cells in order to prevent the organisation from being compromised by informers. The organisation is believed to have a maximum of about 150 members, according to a statement by the Irish Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, in June 2005. [cite web | title = Parliamentary Debates (Official Report - Unrevised) Dáil Éireann Thursday, 23 June 2005 - Page 1 | author = | url = http://debates.oireachtas.ie/DDebate.aspx?F=DAL20050623.xml&Page=1&Ex=1487#N1487 | publisher = Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas | date = 23 June 2005 | accessdate = 2007-05-03]

The 32 County Sovereignty Movement (formerly the 32 County Sovereignty Committee), currently led by Francis Mackey [cite web | title = Bombers widen the republican divide | author = Nicholas Watt | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/Northern_Ireland/Story/0,,473666,00.html | publisher = "The Guardian" | date = 16 April 2001 | accessdate = 2007-05-04] has sometimes been described as the RIRA's "political wing". The RIRA is distinct from the Continuity IRA, another Provisional IRA splinter group founded in 1986, although the two groups have been known to co-operate at a local level.cite journal | last = Independent Monitoring Commission | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Eighth report of the Independent Monitoring Commission | journal = | volume = | issue = | pages = 13 | date = 1 February 2006 | publisher = The Stationery Office | url = http://www.independentmonitoringcommission.org/documents/uploads/8th%20IMC%20Report.pdf | format = PDF | id = | accessdate = 2007-05-06] The Provisional IRA have been hostile to the RIRA and issued threats to RIRA members, and in October 2000 was alleged to be responsible for the fatal shooting of Belfast RIRA member Joe O'Connor according to O'Connor's family and 32 County Sovereignty Movement member Marian Price. [cite web | title = Shots fired at funeral of Real IRA man | author = John Mullin | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/Northern_Ireland/Story/0,,384759,00.html | publisher = "The Guardian" | date = 19 October 2000 | accessdate = 2007-05-03] [English, pp. 320-321.]

The RIRA is an illegal organisation under Irish and UK law (section 11(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000) because of the use of 'IRA' in the group's name. [cite web | title = Statutory Rules and Orders, 1939, No. 162. Unlawful Organisation (Suppression) Order, 1939 | author = | url = http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1939/en/si/0162.html | publisher = Irish Statute Book Database | date = | accessdate = 2008-05-22] [cite web | title = Membership of Real IRA was a terrorism offence | author = Kate O'Hanlon | url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20050525/ai_n14641324 | publisher = "The Independent" | date = 25 May 2005 | accessdate = 2007-05-03] Membership of the organisation is punishable by a sentence of up to ten years imprisonment under UK law. [cite web | title = House of Commons Hansard Debates for 30 Oct 2002 (pt 8) | author = | url = http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200102/cmhansrd/vo021030/debtext/21030-08.htm | publisher = House of Commons | date = 30 October 2002 | accessdate = 2007-03-17] In 2001 the United States government designated the RIRA as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). This makes it illegal for Americans to provide material support to the RIRA, requires US financial institutions to freeze the group's assets and denies suspected RIRA members visas into America. [cite web | title = US brands Real IRA 'terrorists' | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/1333145.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 16 May 2001 | accessdate = 2007-05-05] [U.S. Department of State: Redesignation of Foreign Terrorist Organizations, October 2003. Available: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2003/24851.htm]

Weaponry

The RIRA initially took small amounts of materiel from Provisional IRA arms dumps under the control of McKevitt and other former Provisional IRA members, including the plastic explosive Semtex, Uzi submachine guns, AK-47 assault rifles, handguns, detonators and timing devices.Boyne, pp. 382-383.] [Mooney & O'Toole, p. 321.] The defection of senior Provisional IRA members also gave the RIRA the ability to manufacture home-made explosives and improvised mortars, including the Mark 15 mortar capable of firing a 200 lb shell. [Mooney & O'Toole, p. 183.] In 1999 the organisation supplemented its equipment by importing arms from Croatia, including military explosive TM500, CZ Model 25 submachine guns, modified AK-47 assault rifles with a folding stock, and RPG-18 and RPG-22 rocket launchers. [Boyne, p. 440.] In July 2000 the RIRA attempted to smuggle a second consignment of arms which was seized by Croatian police. The weapons included seven RPG-18s, AK-47 assault rifles, detonators, ammunition and twenty packs of TM500. In 2001 RIRA members travelled to Slovakia to procure arms, and were caught in a sting operation by the British security agency MI5. The men attempted to purchase 5 tonnes of plastic explosives, 2,000 detonators, 500 handguns, 200 rocket-propelled-grenades, and also wire-guided missiles and sniper rifles, but were arrested and extradited to the UK and subsequently imprisoned for 30 years after pleading guilty to conspiring to cause explosions and other charges. [cite web | title = 30 years in jail for Real IRA trio | author = Richard Norton-Taylor | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/Northern_Ireland/Story/0,2763,711589,00.html | publisher = "The Guardian" | date = 8 May 2002 | accessdate = 2007-06-28] In June 2006 the PSNI made a number of arrests, after the RIRA had attempted to procure arms from France including Semtex and C-4 plastic explosives, SAM7 surface-to-air missiles, AK-47s, rocket launchers, heavy machine guns, sniper rifles, pistols with silencers, anti-tank weapons and detonators. [Boyne, p. 390.] [cite web | title = Man in court on 'Real IRA' charge | author = | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/5112572.stm | publisher = BBC | date = 24 June 2006 | accessdate = 2007-06-28]

IMC Reports

The IMC report of May 2008 states that there are at least two factions within the RIRA. Furthermore, the RIRA were said to be active and dangerous. During the period covered by the report, it had tried to expand its capacity, and remained a threat that was "capable of extreme violence." Despite this, the IMC said that there is reason to believe that some members realise the futility of violent action. [Independent Monitoring Commission: [http://www.independentmonitoringcommission.org/documents/uploads/18.%20Eighteenth%20Report.pdf IMC May 2008 Report] Pages 10-11.]

ee also

*

References

External links

* [http://www.32csm.org/ 32 County Sovereignty Movement website]
* [http://www.janes.com/security/international_security/news/jir/jir980824_1_n.shtml Jane's Intelligence Review - The Real IRA: after Omagh, what now?]