Senior IRA activists resign over peace process

Reports say a number of activists in the Irish Republican Army, the IRA, have resigned because of doubts over the peace process.

The group, which includes two senior figures, resigned after a meeting last month in Donegal in the Irish Republic called to review the IRA ceasefire which began in July.

It includes a former chief of staff and the IRA's so called Quartermaster General - who had control over arms and explosives.

Some activists believe the IRA's political wing, Sinn Fein, should never have agreed to the Mitchell principles, committing all sides in the multi-party talks on Northern Ireland to pursue non-violent methods.

The split has raised fears that the IRA ceasefire may be in jeopardy.

The Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern, while expressing concern at the news of the resignations, said its impact should not be exaggerated.

"We are bound to be concerned about any difficulties that in any way could jeopardise the peace process. I certainly don't want to overstate them. I don't think it would be correct to do so, we're talking about a relatively small number of people," he said.

BBC correspondent Garry Duffy said there was no suggestion at this stage that the dissidents will move to join any breakaway faction, such as the Continuity Army Council which is still involved in a campaign of limited violence.