IRA suspects arrested in Ireland

Irish police arrested five IRA suspects in raids yesterday. They also seized home-made bomb-making equipment similar to the type used in attacks carried out by the IRA in Northern Ireland and on the Continent. Two arrests were made in Westmeath and two others on the border between Waterford and Tipperary. A fifth arrest was made last night near Clonmel in Co Tipperary. All five are being held under the Irish anti-terrorist laws which allow suspects to be kept in custody for up to 48 hours before being charged or released.

n The Prevention of Terrorism Act is still needed to combat the threat of Northern Ireland terrorism, according to the annual review of the Act, carried out by John Rowe QC. The provisions of the Act fall due for annual renewal by Parliament on 22 March.