Northern Ireland

New IRA urged to end its armed campaign

Army search teams assisted by the PSNI at the scene, following the attempted murder of two officers in Strabane. Picture date: Friday November 18, 2022. PICTURE: David Young/PA.
Army search teams assisted by the PSNI at the scene, following the attempted murder of two officers in Strabane. Picture date: Friday November 18, 2022. PICTURE: David Young/PA. Army search teams assisted by the PSNI at the scene, following the attempted murder of two officers in Strabane. Picture date: Friday November 18, 2022. PICTURE: David Young/PA.

The New IRA has been urged to end its armed campaign after it signalled its intention to continue attacks in 2023.

In a new year statement the hardline group suggested it "will use all means at its disposal" to end British rule.

The threat comes after the group deployed an improvised explosive device at a passing PSNI car in Strabane, Co Tyrone, in November.

In a statement circulated on social media at the weekend the organisation said it intends to continue its campaign.

"As we enter 2023 Ireland remains under occupation and our national sovereignty is denied by a foreign government," it said.

"The Irish Republican Army will use all means at its disposal to break this bondage. Volunteers of the Irish Republican Army and its leadership are determined to spearhead this action."

SDLP MLA and Policing Board member Mark H Durkan said that "as the case for and appetite for a new Ireland gets stronger, groups like this need to be challenged on the counter-productivity of their approach".

"We need to hear their voice but there is no place for their violence," he added.

"Time and again, people here have rejected violence. We have seen its futility."

Mr Durkan urged the New IRA to ends its campaign adding it "does not seem to have got the message and, ironically, continue to torment our people, causing danger and disruption.

"They have also caused death and shown no remorse whatsoever," he said.

"How have these actions brought us closer to their professed 'ultimate goal'? I would implore this organisation to cease their campaign of violence and to work with the rest of us to create a new, fair, prosperous and peaceful Ireland."

Read more: Who are the New IRA?