IRA dissidents still a threat, MPs warned

Published on 24/01/2013 01:17

IRA dissidents remain a serious threat with lethal intentions, Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said yesterday.

Dissident republicans have reportedly met former leading members of the Provisional IRA, MPs heard, as Ms Villiers warned that terrorists in Northern Ireland were still capable of attacks.

She was responding to a question in the House of Commons from the DUP’s Westminster leader Nigel Dodds.

Ms Villiers replied: “I discuss very regularly with the chief constable the very serious threat posed by dissident republicans.

“The UK government is vigilant in combating a threat from dissident republican terrorists.

“They are small in number but they have lethal intent 
and unfortunately they also have capabilities as well.”