The Real IRA, also known as RIRA or IRA Véritable in French, is a dissident branch of the IRA. This faction is resolutely opposed to the British presence on Northern Irish soil, and acts through bombings and murderous actions, going against the peace process engaged between England and the Belfast government.
The RIRA grew out of the Provisional IRA, and was formed in 1997 by members intent on ending the ceasefire of the time. The organization was responsible for the Omagh bombing on August 15, 1998, which remains the deadliest attack in the region.
The RIRA opposed the Good Friday Agreement and, after a brief pause in its operations (ceasefire from September 8, 1999 to January 20, 2000), is still very active.
Generally speaking, and given the current context in which Northern Ireland is trying to negotiate peace with London, the RIRA’s actions are heavily condemned by both sides. Following the attack, Gordon Brown said that the RIRA could not “derail the peace process” underway. Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams supported Gordon Brown’s comments, condemning the RIRA’s actions.
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