Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
‘Army Council runs Sinn Fein’
EX-PSNI deputy claims Provo body still in control
MARY Lou Mcdonald was yesterday urged to disband the IRA Army Council after claims it runs Sinn Fein.
Former PSNI deputy chief Drew Harris, who is now Garda Commissioner, said the Provo body still pulls the strings.
The claim came as the party attempts to form a Government in the Republic following its General Election success.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Garda college in Templemore, Co Tipperary, Commissioner Harris said he agreed with a PSNI assessment that Sinn Fein and the IRA are overseen by a Provisional Army Council.
A report commissioned by the British Government on the status of terrorist groups in 2015 – compiled by the PSNI and MI5 – stated the body still exists.
Mr Harris told Virgin Media News: “In national security matters and matters around the State, it is my obligation to report to the Government as you would expect me to do.
“Also, we have been contributing to the IRC reporting on the status of various paramilitary groups and we would hold with their opinion on these matters.
“I’m also aware of the PSNI and the British security services’ assessment and we do not differ from that view.”
In response, acting Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar tweeted: “Why doesn’t Mcdonald disband the Army Council and the PIRA or if she cannot, repudiate them and sever all links publicly and unequivocally?”
At an event for MLAS in Dundalk last night the Sinn Fein leader insisted “the war is over”.
Asked if the terrorist organisation still existed, Ms Mcdonald said it did not, “so far as I am aware”. She added:
“I don’t answer for the IRA, I’m not a spokesperson for the IRA. I’m the leader of Sinn Fein and I’m telling you, the war is over.”
Asked if a Provisional Army Council still existed, Ms Mcdonald said: “No. I mean I’ve no contact or relationship with the IRA.
“Nobody directs Sinn Fein other than Sinn Fein members and the Sinn Fein leadership.”
She added that republicans were “absolutely wedded to democracy and peace”.
Yesterday it also emerged Gerry Adams is part of the party’s negotiating team in efforts to build a left-wing coalition in the Republic.