Police in the North have uncovered what they believe to be IRA documents containing details of Tory politicians after a series searches in Belfast and Derry.
The documents are believed to contain details on senior Conservative Party members, as well as senior loyalist figures and information on several British army installations in the North.
The documents were seized as part of a follow-up investigation into the break-in at Special Branch offices in Castlereagh near Belfast on St Patrick's Day. However, the documents were not among those stolen when three intruders overpowered a Special Branch officer.
|
The Northern Secretary Dr John Reid has sought to allay fears of a renewed campaign by the Provisionals, while the SDLP said ongoing IRA activity was a "cause of continuing concern".
Security sources in Belfast confirmed that a list of names had been recovered in the New Lodge area of Belfast. The Conservative Central Office in London confirmed it was aware of the list.
It is understood acting Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn today briefed Professor Desmond Rea, chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
Sinn Féin claimed it was the latest attempt by security forces to falsely accuse republicans of last month's burglary at the Castlereagh complex.
Chief negotiator Mr Martin McGuinness urged people to be sceptical of claims that the IRA has updated its intelligence gathering.
The Mid Ulster MP claimed the accusations had come from people with an "anti-peace process agenda".
Party colleague Mr Conor Murphy insisted that the latest revelation was proof of a Special Branch cover-up.
The Castlereagh break-in was blamed on the IRA but republican sources have strenuously denied the group was behind the break-in, saying it was more likely the work of the British security services. Sinn Féin has also denied the IRA was involved in the burglary.
Commenting on today's news Conservative Party leader Mr Iain Duncan Smith said: "This has the highest priority and it is a matter of serious concern.
"All I know is that people who are supposed to be committed to this peace process, if it is them, are busy collating information about a number of politicians including some of my colleagues," he told Sky News.
"I have to say that that doesn't suggest to me they are as committed to the peace process as they should be."
Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid said there was no evidence the IRA was set to resume a violent campaign. "There is no indication that the IRA is either about to or intending to recommence its campaign", he said.
"We have always made it clear that all paramilitary groups must end all forms of terrorist activity - that includes collecting information. All organisations need to dismantle the apparatus of terrorism in all its forms."
A spokesman for the Taoiseach said the Government was monitoring the situation "very carefully", while the Fine Gael leader Mr Michael Noonan called on the republican movement to clarify its position.
SDLP leader Mr Mark Durkan said today that ongoing IRA activity was a "cause of continuing concern" to many in the peace process.
The North's Deputy First Minister said: "We have all known that the IRA has continued to be active at a number of different levels since the ceasefire.
"The only people who have been in denial of this at times have been Sinn Fein spokespersons. Today's reports corroborate this.
"Ongoing IRA activity has been a cause of continuing concern to many just as the continuing actions of loyalist paramilitaries create anguish and fear.
"It is in this context that the SDLP has emphasised the importance of decommissioning as a means of building much-needed public confidence."
Later, Tory MP Mr Michael Fabricant called on authorities to withdraw "without delay" Westminster passes held by Sinn Féin MPs and their researchers.
Mr Fabricant said: "The Northern Ireland peace process is not only just about the suspension of terrorism but also about dismantling the apparatus of terrorism.
"This most recent find makes it clear that the apparatus is not being dismantled and that the IRA are still diligently seeking out intelligence.
"The decision to allow these passes to be issued was a monumental blunder. It seems incredible that members of Sinn Fein are now able to wander freely along the corridors of the House of Commons and House of Lords."
Mr Gerry Adams, Mr Martin McGuinness, Mr Pat Doherty and Ms Michelle Gildernew were earlier this year allowed to use offices in Westminster even though they have not sworn the oath of allegiance. This means they cannot take part in House of Commons debates.
Additional reporting PA
