DUP warning over IRA 'structures'

Jeffrey Donaldson warned that the IRA's so-called army council would have to be destroyed.

He was speaking after the chief constable met a DUP delegation to discuss the murder of Paul Quinn and recent dissident republican attacks.

The MP said dissidents were planning more attacks before Christmas.

Dissidents were blamed for attacks on two police officers in recent weeks.

In October, south Armagh man Paul Quinn, 21, was beaten to death in farm outbuildings across the border in County Monaghan.

His family blamed the IRA for the killing, however, Sinn Fein has denied republican involvement.

Mr Donaldson said Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde told them that while there was "no indication" it was authorised by the IRA leadership there were "IRA members involved".

Mr Donaldson said: "We have made it absolutely clear that there is no room for private armies in a situation where you have the assembly operating.

"It is unfinished business, it is business that needs to be finished and resolved."

Mr Donaldson said it was hoped the First Minister Ian Paisley would meet the Quinn family soon.

He said the DUP had made it clear that it wanted "full disclosure" of all information regarding the murder.

"If it is shown that the Provisional IRA authorised and executed the murder of Paul Quinn there will be serious repercussions," he said.