Republican Sinn Fein condemn '˜smear' attempt against CIRA

Des Dalton, president of Republican Sinn Fein, was speaking about the killing of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel on Friday, as it emerged that another man had been slain in apparent retaliation.

Mr Dalton said he had spoken to republican sources who had rejected the claim of CIRA responsibility for the Regency Hotel incident.

“I have been told that it was a bogus statement and an attempt to smear the Continuity IRA,” he said.

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams urged community support to catch those responsible for the killings.

“Those behind this latest shooting, and those behind the dreadful attack last Friday at the Regency Hotel, must be apprehended and taken off our streets,” he said.