USA asked to 'ban' Real IRA

The Real IRA has been blamed for the Omagh bombing

The British and Irish governments have asked authorities in the United States to place the dissident republican Real IRA on a list of designated terrorist groups.

They said the designation would give the American law enforcement agencies extra powers to secure convictions and curb the fundraising of the group.

The Real IRA was responsible for the Omagh bombing in August 1998 which killed 29 people and injured more than 200 others, the worst single atrocity in 30 years of violence.

It will be a big bonus to us if their fund-raising is curtailed

Lawrence Rush

But although the families of Omagh victims have spearheaded a campaign to have the Real IRA added to the terrorists' list, some politicians feared it could enhance the group's standing in the USA.

However, a joint report by the heads of the British and Irish police suggests it is better to go ahead with the designation.

Lawrence Rush, whose wife Libby was killed in the Omagh bombing, welcomed the move.

"This is the best news," he said. "I think they are gradually being diminished.

"I'm delighted this has happened. It will be a big bonus to us if their fund-raising is curtailed."

It will elevate in importance an organisation which isn't that important

Sinn Fein source

But a Sinn Fein source dismissed the move as a political stunt that could result in raising the Real IRA's profile in the US.

"It is stupid and silly and will make no contribution to the search for peace but will elevate in importance an organisation which isn't that important," the source said.

Earlier this month, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson promised to ensure the Real IRA was listed alongside other outlawed paramilitary organisations.

Peter Mandelson: Pledged to use "all available means"

He said: "I believe that we need constantly to bear down on the Real IRA and other dissident paramilitary groups by all available means.

"When I was in the United States in September I expressed the hope that the US authorities would add the Real IRA to their list of designated terrorist organisations.

"I believe that would frustrate funding for them from America but crucially it would also assist us in carrying out any necessary prosecutions of members of that organisation in the United States."