AN IRISH dissident Republican group has announced a ceasefire of armed action against Britain 'with immediate effect.'
In a statement to The Irish News, accompanied by a recognised codeword, Oglaigh na hÉireann - a splinter group of the Real IRA - said the decision followed a review and discussion with its membership.
They said the "environment is not right for armed conflict" at this time.
"The leadership of Oglaigh na hÉireann are announcing that with immediate effect we will suspend all armed actions against the British state," it said.
"The leadership of ONH remain unbowed and unbroken. We will continue to protect our membership and base as we move forward in a spirit of united determination to achieve our political aims."
Óglaigh na hÉireann has been one of the most active of the dissident groups.
One of its members, Seamus McGrane, was sentenced to eleven and a half years in prison in December 2017 after he was convicted of directing terrorism by the Special Criminal Court.
McGrane, 63, of Little Road, Dromiskin, Co Louth, was convicted in October by the non-jury court of directing the activities of an unlawful organisation, styling itself on the Irish Republican Army, between the dates of April 19 and May 13 2015.
The court found that McGrane discussed an operation involving explosives in the run-up to the State visit of Prince Charles two years ago.
He was also found guilty by the three-judge court of membership of the IRA between January 18 2010 and May 13 2015.
He had denied both charges.
Following his arrest, searches were conducted at his home in Dromiskin as well as an adjoining property at the back of his house.
Items found in the fields adjoining McGrane’s property included a time and power unit and an improvised high-explosive detonator.
Bomb-making materials were also discovered to the rear of the home.
Gardaí also conducted a search at a house in Harbour Court in Courttown, Co. Wexford, where they found four improvised rockets, military-grade semtex, and another detonator.
Reacting to the news of the ceasefire, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tánaiste Simon Coveney said: "The commitment to a ceasefire with immediate effect is welcome. There is no place and no justification for violence and I call on all other dissident groups to follow suit.
"We hope and anticipate that this ceasefire will be proven to be definitive and comprehensive in word and in deed."
Outgoing Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams also welcomed the announcement saying: "There can be no excuse or justification for the continued existence and operation of armed groups either unionist or republican.
"Their continued existence leads only to hardship, loss, bereavement and imprisonment.
"There is a peaceful and democratic way forward to resolve political differences and to work towards an agreed and united Ireland.
"I call on all groups engaged in violent actions to desist, disband and to embrace the path of peaceful politics."
