The Hindu : New IRA `hit list' uncovered

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 28, 2002

International

International

New IRA `hit list' uncovered

By Hasan Suroor

LONDON JUNE 27. A number of important British public figures are feared to be at risk following the discovery of yet another "hit list'' containing more than 200 names from an Irish Republican Army (IRA) database — the second such find in recent months. The names have not been disclosed but are said to include judges, political leaders, scientists and security men.

Police said the word "target'' was mentioned against some of the names and steps were being taken to protect those who might be facing a potential threat to their lives. A similar list, found a few months ago, had contained the names of the former Tory Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major besides a number of high-profile loyalists. Both "discoveries'' follow investigations into a break-in at a high-security police complex in Belfast amid allegations of IRA's involvement.

A number of sensitive documents, including details of special branch officers and anti-republican activists were stolen in that break-in.

The discovery of the "hit'' list triggered a bitter row with the Republicans accusing the security forces of trying to "smear'' them, and hard line unionists reviving their demand to expel Sinn Fein — the political wing of IRA — from Northern Ireland's coalition Government. Even pro-Republican observers acknowledged that the development would further undermine the IRA's credibility and its claim to have given up the politics of gun altogether.

David Trimble, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) chief and head of the Northern Ireland Government, was under pressure from his more hawkish colleagues to put the Sinn Fein on notice.

Mr. Trimble has been warned that his own leadership might be at risk if he does not adopt a more hard line approach towards the Sinn Fein which has been accused of not doing enough to rein in the IRA.

epublicans on Thursday hit back dismissing police claims as deliberate "leaks'' intended to destroy the peace process.

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