A leading member of republican socialist group éirigí was among four people brought before the Special Criminal Court last night charged with possessing weaspons and ammunition.
Ursula Shannon, Inglewood Crescent, Clonsilla, and three men were charged with possessing two handguns and ammunition at Tullybeg, Rahan, Co Offaly on Tuesday night.
Éirígí general secretary Breandán Mac Cionnaith released a statement confirming “Ursula Ní Shionnain” is a member.
The party would not take steps to distance itself from Ms Shannon, he said.
"However,” he added, “I have no doubt that some of the more sensationalist media outlets will try to exploit Ursula's arrest to insinuate all sorts of conspiracy theories and to engage in McCarthy-like 'reds under the beds' hysteria against éirígí. That, of course, will be nothing new."
Mr Mac Cionnaith also stated Brian Leeson, national chairperson of republican socialist party, éirigí, had been released from Garda custody without charge just before 10pm last night.
“Brian’s arrest and detention,” he claimed, “was a cynical exercise by the gardaí designed to foster a climate of black propaganda and misinformation within sections of the media directed against Brian and against our party in general.”
“Brian’s release, without charge, confirms our view that his arrest had a clear political motivation.”
A Garda press office spokesman would not confirm details of the detention or release.