IRA denies threat to loyalists

The IRA has dismissed claims that it was gathering intelligence
on Protestant comunity workers by monitoring confidential
cross-community meetings.

The PSNI have claimed the IRA were in possession of briefing
documents on prominent loyalists. The PSNI said the documents
were found in an October swoop on an alleged "IRA spy ring"
operating in government buildings in Belfast.

Last week, some of the named individuals were led by the PSNI to
believe there was a threat against their lives.

"There have been well-publicised allegations over recent months
and days about IRA threats," the IRA statement said last night.

"These allegations are bogus and mischievous and are being
exploited in an effort to undermine public confidence. Our
cessation remains intact."

But an umbrella group of Protestant community workers said today
it is pulling out of events involving republicans.

The Protestant Community Workers Association said the trust of
many of those involved in delicate peace work such as interface
contacts had been "betrayed".

Chairman William Smyth claimed the PSNI had found records of
cross-community meetings, including verbal contributions and
comments made by Protestants.

Some contained "derogatory remarks", he added. "This type of
behaviour tears at the very heart of the peace process."

But the press conference to publicise the PSNI accusations served
as a proxy for an ongoing media-driven campaign against the IRA.

Sinn Fein said that while it understood the concerns of
individuals, to pull out of cross-community work was a political
stunt and not the way forward.