Dublin man Brian Kenna has been selected as the new chairman of hardline republican party Saoradh.
The appointment was made during the party’s ard fheis in Dundalk, Co Louth, on Saturday.
The former prisoner has replaced Tyrone republican David Jordan who served as chairman since 2016.
In 2017 Mr Kenna was sentenced to 16 months in prison after being convicted of being a member of the ‘IRA’.
He was charged after Gardai said a prison ‘comm’ was found on him after he left a visit Portlaoise Prison.
The 57-year-old denied the charge.
In 1990 he was also sentenced to 10 years in jail after a bank raid in Co Wexford.
During the Ard Fheis a statement was read out on behalf of republican prisoners.
Several motions were also debated.
The incoming chairman told those in attendance it was an “honour” to be selected as the new chair.
During an address to those in attendance he spoke about Brexit and the impact it was having on British politics.
“What matter to us - if the British establishment implodes? England’s difficulty will always be Ireland's opportunity..."
He also referred to a document recently published by Saoradh, ‘Brexit in the context of Ireland’ which outlines its position on the issue.
He said Saoradh members have been active in social and political campaigns on both sides of the border and spoke of the future saying the organisation would "consolidate and move forward with greater strength and vigour."
