Differences among the leaders of the `Real IRA' group which was responsible for the Omagh bombing massacre yesterday continued to delay the expected calling of a permanent ceasefire.
Gardai believe that a small number of leading figures in the group, some of whom, based in Dundalk and Dublin, are particularly suspected, are blocking a majority opinion within the group that it should permanently end its campaign. Members of the `Real IRA' in the Republic indicated to the Belfast newspaper, the Irish News, earlier this week that a ceasefire announcement was imminent.
However, gardai were aware that a hard-line element was against the notion and wanted to abide only by the temporary "suspension" of violence announced by the group three days after the Omagh bombing.
There was some hope yesterday that a ceasefire announcement could come next week, possibly coinciding with the visit of President Clinton who is to go to Omagh to meet the survivors.
Initial reports that the `Real IRA' had a leadership meeting in Co Clare and decided to call a ceasefire are believed to have arisen from the fact that members of the group's political wing, the 32-County Sovereignty Committee, went to Clare late last week. Two members, a father and son, from Northern Ireland and members of another north Co Dublin family associated with the group were also there.
It is believed these people would be in favour of a permanent `Real IRA' ceasefire but that their views are opposed by the members of the military wing.
Next week the Dail and Westminster parliament are to debate the introduction of new antiterrorist legislation which will allow for the conviction of a member of the `Real IRA' on the hearsay evidence of a senior police officer.
Meanwhile, two Dublin men who were being questioned by gardai in Monaghan investigating the bombing were released yesterday evening but immediately rearrested and charged with the larceny of a car. They will appear in Carrickmacross District Court this morning.
A third man was released without charge.