"Real" IRA and Continuity IRA sources have strongly denied reports they have established a formal alliance to carry out regular bomb attacks.
They said there was no truth in media reports that a pact had been agreed at a meeting in Co Fermanagh last month. It had been claimed both groups' membership would work together and alternate their code-words when claiming responsibility for attacks. The strategy was said to be aimed at uniting dissidents into a more powerful force. However, "Real" IRA sources said, while meetings did occasionally take place between the groups, there was never a decision on a formal alliance.
"There is no co-operation between the two organisations. While the 'Real IRA' would never inform on any Continuity IRA operations or attempt to obstruct them in any way, there is no chance of an alliance or amalgamation of any kind," a source said. "Such a move would run completely contrary to our efforts to tighten things up internally. If you become involved with another organisation in such a way, you have no control over personnel involved in operations."
Continuity IRA sources said: "We have no animosity towards the 'Real IRA' but we are two entirely separate organisations and that is the way we will stay. There is no question of even co-operating with the 'Real IRA'."