REPUBLICAN SINN Féin, which is viewed as the political wing of Continuity IRA, has issued a statement claiming that the organisation is "making huge progress in rebuilding the movement".
The statement made "on behalf of the republican leadership" comes against a general security warning of an increased threat from dissident republican paramilitaries.
The Easter statement from the organisation pays tribute to its prisoners in Portlaoise and Maghaberry prisons. It criticises what it says are attempts by "certain" Catholic and GAA leaders, the media and other "lackeys of the British State" to "normalise" British rule in Ireland. It praises protests at this week's visit by Queen Elizabeth to Armagh, and against England playing rugby at Croke Park last year.
Responding to the label of "dissident republicans", the statement adds: "The only dissident republicans are those who have strayed from the path of true republicanism and are now administering English rule in the Stormont parliament."
Making reference to Sinn Féin's position on the Policing Board, the statement voices concerns about the future treatment of "true republicans".
"History has painfully taught us that when such powers are in the hands of those who once were involved in Irish republicanism they have used them not only to imprison true republicans but also to have them executed and allowed to die on hunger strike.
"Will history once again repeat itself with regards to the present day Provos?"