Continuity Irish Republican Army

The Continuity Irish Republican Army (Óglaigh na hÉireann) was reorganised as a result of the Provisionals abandonment of the abstentionist policy from Leinster House at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in 1986 when Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, Daithi Ó Conaill and others walked out of the Ard Fheis and reconvened as Republican Sinn Féin. Provisional Sinn Féin had decided to sit in Leinster House if elected, whereas Republican Sinn Féin remained true to basic Republican principle. It was not as a result of the signing of the Belfast Agreement (variously known as the "Good Friday" Agreement or Stormont Agreement) although it does not support the current process, and the Army carries on the military campaign against British rule in Ireland. Furthermore the Continuity IRA has nothing to do with the so-called "Real" IRA, as it was in existence many years before it. The IRA has not called a ceasefire nor has it decommissioned any of its weapons. O/C Tommy Crossan, CIRA POWs in Maghaberry Prison, Co. Antrim is leading the campaign for the reinstatement of political status removed by the signing of the Stormont Agreement.

Comdt-Gen Tom Maguire, IRA - the last surviving member of the 2nd (All-Ireland) Dáil Éireann released a statement recognising the Continuity Executive and the Continuity Army Council as the lawful Executive and Army Council respectively of the Irish Republican Army, and therefore possessing the governmental authority delegated by the faithful deputies of Dáil Éireann in 1938.