"Sinn Féin leadership, including Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness, did know and approved of the robbery." That's exactly what Ahern said when interviewed on today's "News At One". Given how much effort Ahern has put into Northern Ireland since 1997 this is a major let down for him. Expect much less focus on N.I. in the next couple of years as Ahern concentrates efforts on getting re-elected. I guess he'll just let SF/IRA stew in their own juices and concentrate on domestic politics. One thing for sure is that you won't see SF/IRA in govenment before the end of he decade (at the earliest).

So many "sources"
Quite convenient seeing as it suits all of the political parties to blame Sinn Fein.

It is interesting that both government are insisting that the IRA must desist from such activities in the future. Nobody is saying they have to give back the money.

It seems to me that this entire fiasco has been calculated to undermine the growing support for Sinn Fein on the ground. Gerry Adams and Martin McGuiness don't strike me as being lacking in intelligence, and allegations that they approved or had prior knowledge of the bank robbery is speculation that does not ring true. Bertie Basset should be prosecuted in the courts and be made to prove his allegations, but more often that not these "big men" are immune to prosecution and can get away with saying what they like about anyone, especially an organisation. Allegations are not enough, fairminded man and women need proof, the untested word of a politician is worthless and must be unacceptable in a civilised society.

It seems to me that this entire fiasco has been calculated to undermine the growing support for Sinn Fein on the ground.

On the other hand, I'm sure it went through the mind of those who were involved in the Robbery that Gerry and Martin would be able to use that line to talk their way out of trouble....

"On the other hand, I'm sure it went through the mind of those who were involved in the Robbery that Gerry and Martin would be able to use that line to talk their way out of trouble...."

and on the other hand *looks for third hand*, those securocrat spooks would know that they could use that line to turn the blame back on the IRA.

it could go on for ever. this is why proof is needed.

It is interesting that both government are insisting that the IRA must desist from such activities in the future. Nobody is saying they have to give back the money.

Hmmmm... maybe Special Branch should kidnap Gerry and Martin, force them to go to work and act normally - you know, have a press conference where every sentence begins "The reality of the situation is..." or something equally convincing - then send a ransom letter to Brian Keenan for £26.5 million.

Plus interest.