THE Sinn Fein leader, Mr Gerry Adams, in the face of persistent speculation, has emphatically denied any knowledge of IRA plans to hold an "army convention" leading to a renewed ceasefire.
As sources from different quarters continue to insist that there are good grounds for the reports that the IRA is considering a new ceasefire, Mr Adams categorically denied any knowledge of such a development.
In Dublin, a Government spokesman refused to comment on reports "coming from anonymous sources". Asked if the Government had any indication from security forces that another cease fire was in the offing, the spokes man replied: "We won't comment on security briefings either. I don't know where these reports are coming from."
Senior security sources in the Republic, however, continued to insist that the IRA has been in the process of arranging a general army convention at which a ceasefire would be discussed and, it is believed, supported by a majority of IRA delegates.
Mr Adams called a press conference in west Belfast yesterday to declare that the reports were being planted by British security and intelligence sources, and were "without foundation" - although other sources, including senior Garda personnel, have also supported the speculation.
Asked about the reports and the optimism expressed last week by the Taoiseach in Washington, Mr Adams said he was "very surprised" at Mr Bruton's remarks.
"Secondly, I have no information on a convention other than what has appeared in the media over the past two days. And to my knowledge, I think I would have heard something about it from other sources. I think that the speculation about that is totally without any foundation what so ever," added Mr Adams.
"Thirdly, I have no knowledge to suggest that the IRA is reconsidering restoring its cessation," he said.
Here we are all here talking about some imaginary convention. We are not talking about what is happening, or not happening, at Stormont. We are not talking about why John Major refuses to accept his responsibility in terms of trying to rebuild a proper process.
"We are not talking about the responsibility of the political leaders. We are following this thread, which no one can prove or disprove, instead of dealing with the reality of. . . . political leaders who are not serious, certainly from the unionist and the British section, in trying to do what is necessary to bring about a proper and meaningful peace process.
Mr Adams said Sinn Fein remained committed to a peace strategy. He has stated a number of times that he remains in contact with the Irish Government and others to try to restore the peace process.
Security sources in the Republic believe the IRA had already chosen a venue for a convention to discuss a ceasefire but the leaking of the story at the weekend might mean that an alternative date and venue will have to be arranged.
The Garda is understood to have informed Government that according to its intelligence a majority within the IRA had come around to supporting a renewal of the ceasefire and a political path led by Mr Adams and Mr Martin McGuinness.
Senior sources said yesterday this was still the assessment, although there are concerns about opposition to the renewal of a ceasefire by hardline elements within the IRA. There are also fears that the debate within the IRA about renewing a ceasefire could lead to a split.
The Garda Special Branch is closely observing the activities of those elements within the IRA in this State who might organise opposition to a renewed ceasefire. The fear is that some of these elements might try to seize weapons and try to side with dissident elements like the "Continuity Army Council" group which claimed responsibility for the bomb attack on the Killyhevlin Hotel in Co Fermanagh in July.