MILNET: Irish Factions

The Irish Troubles Continue

The following table lists the various groups involved in the "Irish Troubles" of Northern Ireland, and illustrates one of the chief complexities in creating a peaceful solution. Note that members of a particular group may also be members of another similarly minded group and that many Irish citizens are members without being listed or admitting to their support whether it be through morale or financial support.

Many of Irish decent within or outside the region also contribute heavily without trace and therefore it is difficult to characterize funding with any accuracy. During the mid 70s thru mid 80s, support for the IRA also came from various anti-western sources, including explosives, guns, and training -- typically Mid Eastern or North African aide such as Iran or Lybia provided and still provide today, terrorist and urban guerilla training as well as funding.

Also, the table below does not list the many smaller factions and splinter groups who ally themselves with the larger groups -- typically provincial groups who think of themselves as a sort of local militia.

A word on the "political wing" concept. You will note that most of these groups have a "political arm". This fiction allows members of the political wing to expound on the causes and politics of the active terrorist arm without (in theory) fearing retaliation from government, whether it be local, regional or British. Supposedly, the policical arm members do not particpate in intelligence gathering, planning, or execution of "actions" and do not provide direct aid to the active membership.

The reality is that there are surely gray areas. And certainly many of the members are direct family members of the active elements, making the claims of no support proposterous. Still the fiction is accepted by most and rarely does a political arm member take responsibility for the actions of the active membership.

Who Goals Strength Funding Weapons

Clan na Gael Organization allegedly raised funds for the RIRA. ? U.S. and Canada Political only

Continuity Army Council (CAC) A.K.A. Continuity IRA (CIRA) Similar to RIRA, targets the peace process as a hinderance to anything but pure separation from Britain Formed in 1986 by a faction displeased with the IRA's political wing, Sinn Fein's vote to take part in the Irish Free State elections. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland proscribed the CIRA as a terrorist organization under the Provision of Terrorism Act (PTA) in June of 1997. 100 acknowledged members in 1997, based almost entirely in Ireland. Membership may have decreased since then. Also may have had up to 100 sympathizers providing some funding. Strongest membership in County Fermanagh and Derry. Graft and local contribution, with some hardliner IRA members perhaps funneling equipment and weapons to reduce the costs of operation to the CAC. At one time suspected of receiving funds from Libya and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Handguns, rocket launchers, explosives including Semtex plastic explosives, and mortars, most likely stolen from or gladly passed along by IRA members.

Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) Estabishment of a separate Irish State, with clear Marxist underpinnings. 50 acknowledged members, with a larger amount in the political wing Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) led by the 12 member Ard Cornhairle. Primarily Ireland, U.K. and North America socialist groups with some help form Libya and Iran. Robberies and protection rackets similar to the IRA. Handguns, rifles, grenade launchers and some small amounts of explosives including Semtex plastique

Irish Republican Army ( IRA)
aka Provisional IRA or Provos Unite six predominantly Catholic provinces with the Irish Republic, refuting any connection with Britain 5000 guerilla members in Continenal Europe, Ireland and the U.K. Sein Fein is the political wing, and is extremely active and effective fund raisers worldwide, especially in Canada, Australia and the U.S. Primarily funded through robbery and protection rackets in Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as volunteer funds donated by loyal members in U.K, Europe, Canada, Australia, and the U.S. In the past Libya and Iran have donated funds. Large quantities of Semtex plastic explosives, Russian made RPG and U.S. Stinger missiles, and just about every type of handgun or assault rifle.

Loyalist Militia Preserve the "British Character" of Northern Ireland, opposing the IRA, cede Northern Ireland to Britain - pre- dominantly Protestant, rabidly anti-catholic. 500 members in Militia Local fund raising and local protection rackets. Small but lately ineffective foreign fund raising. Handguns, some rifles, hand made explosives (fertilzer or pipe bombs), some small amounts of stolen Semtex (typically siezed by raids on IRA or RIRA membership)

LVF Extremely violent anti-catholic group formely led by Billy Wright who was murdered in prison. ? Primarily catholic symthpathizers outside of Northern Ireland Handguns, some rifles, hand made explosives (fertilzer or pipe bombs) and captured weapons such as assault rifles, grenade lanchers and perhaps a few bits of Semtex plastique.

Orange Volunteers (OV) Extremely violent Protestant organization comprised of those who split after the cease-fire, dedicated to the prevention of political settlement of the Irish problems. Clamied numerous attacks on Catholics and Catholic civilian interests in Northern Ireland. 20 hardcore members and some 100s of sympathizers and funds donators donations from local populace, not thought to have outside funding rifles, assault weapons and various bombs from pipe to Semtex

Real IRA ( RIRA) Targeting the Irish Peace Process, mainly dissident IRA members who believe the IRA has gone too soft. bent on killing anyone going to the peace table by creating havoc through terrorism. Split from the IRA in 1997. Dead set against any interim steps short of a fully independent Republic of Ireland, North and South. Designated a Terrorist group under the U.S. Anti-Terrorist and Death Penatly Act on May 16, 2001. 200 members plus the 32 County Sovereignty Commitee which serves as the poltical arm of the RIRA. Based primarily in Ireland with some weak support in Northern Ireland. Graft and local contribution, with some hardliner IRA members perhaps funneling equipment and weapons to reduce the costs of operation to the RIRA. Handguns, rocket launchers, explosives including Semtex plastic explosives, and mortars, most likely stolen from or gladly passed along by IRA members.

Republican Sinn Fein Political wing of the CIRA ? Suspected of leveraging IRA and RIRA sympathizers in U.S., Canada, and Australia as well as home in Ireland. Political Only

Royal Irish Regiment of the British Military Peacekeeping forces from British Military permanently stationed in Northern Ireland 5000+ mainstream military personnel and fixed quarters British Government - Ministry of Defense (MOD) The entire military inventory of the British Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as help from the British Special Air Service (SAS) anti-terrorist squads.

Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) Northern Ireland's local police force - pre- dominantly protestant, tasked with keeping the peace such as it is. Viewed by Catholics as an officially armed wing of the Unionist Parties. ~9000 members and some 4,000+ so called reserves which can be called on in various areas within and around Northern Ireland The government of Northern Ireland Police sidearms such as handguns, armored cars, some special weapons (sniper rifles and tear gas guns for instance) and riot control units

Sinn Finn Political wing of the original IRA ? Worldwide fund rasing, extremely effective as compared to any other Irish related fund raising organization Political only

Ulster Defense Association (UDA) Preserve the "British Character" of Northern Ireland, opposing the IRA, cede Northern Ireland to Britain - pre- dominantly Protestant, rabidly anti-catholic. Most remaining members are actually in the UFF (see above) today or have been captured, imprisoned or killed. - -

Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF) Preserve the "British Character" of Northern Ireland, opposing the IRA, cede Northern Ireland to Britain - pre- dominantly Protestant, rabidly anti-catholic. 100 + acknowledged members plus some unknown number of paramilitary trained members of the Ulster Democratic Party (political wing of the UFF) Local fund raising and local protection rackets. Small but lately ineffective foreign fund raising. Handguns, some rifles, hand made explosives (fertilzer or pipe bombs), some small amounts of stolen Semtex (typically siezed by raids on IRA or RIRA membership)

Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) Preserve the "British Character" of Northern Ireland, opposing the IRA, cede Northern Ireland to Britain - pre- dominantly Protestant, rabidly anti-catholic. 100 + acknowledged members plus some unknown number of paramilitary trained members of the Progressive Unionist Party (politial wing of the UVF) Local fund raising and local protection rackets. Small but lately ineffective foreign fund raising. Handguns, some rifles, hand made explosives (fertilzer or pipe bombs), some small amounts of stolen Semtex (typically siezed by raids on IRA or RIRA membership)

Sources:

The terrorist profiles on MILNET adapted from the U.S. Navy Post Graduate School Terrorist Profiles (currently offline)
The Federation of American Scientists Terrorist Files
Online Newspaper Archives

MSNBC online (http://www.msnbc.com)
MILNET Terrorist Profiles

Various other sites of interest inlclude the Democratic Ulster Party, and Ulster Unionist Party, mainstream political parties in Northern Ireland.

milnet@milnet.com

Who	Goals	Strength	Funding	Weapons
Clan na Gael	Organization allegedly raised funds for the RIRA.	?	U.S. and Canada	Political only
Continuity Army Council (CAC) A.K.A. Continuity IRA (CIRA)	Similar to RIRA, targets the peace process as a hinderance to anything but pure separation from Britain Formed in 1986 by a faction displeased with the IRA's political wing, Sinn Fein's vote to take part in the Irish Free State elections. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland proscribed the CIRA as a terrorist organization under the Provision of Terrorism Act (PTA) in June of 1997.	100 acknowledged members in 1997, based almost entirely in Ireland. Membership may have decreased since then. Also may have had up to 100 sympathizers providing some funding. Strongest membership in County Fermanagh and Derry.	Graft and local contribution, with some hardliner IRA members perhaps funneling equipment and weapons to reduce the costs of operation to the CAC. At one time suspected of receiving funds from Libya and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).	Handguns, rocket launchers, explosives including Semtex plastic explosives, and mortars, most likely stolen from or gladly passed along by IRA members.
Irish National Liberation Army (INLA)	Estabishment of a separate Irish State, with clear Marxist underpinnings.	50 acknowledged members, with a larger amount in the political wing Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) led by the 12 member Ard Cornhairle.	Primarily Ireland, U.K. and North America socialist groups with some help form Libya and Iran. Robberies and protection rackets similar to the IRA.	Handguns, rifles, grenade launchers and some small amounts of explosives including Semtex plastique
Irish Republican Army ( IRA) aka Provisional IRA or Provos	Unite six predominantly Catholic provinces with the Irish Republic, refuting any connection with Britain	5000 guerilla members in Continenal Europe, Ireland and the U.K. Sein Fein is the political wing, and is extremely active and effective fund raisers worldwide, especially in Canada, Australia and the U.S.	Primarily funded through robbery and protection rackets in Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as volunteer funds donated by loyal members in U.K, Europe, Canada, Australia, and the U.S. In the past Libya and Iran have donated funds.	Large quantities of Semtex plastic explosives, Russian made RPG and U.S. Stinger missiles, and just about every type of handgun or assault rifle.
Loyalist Militia	Preserve the "British Character" of Northern Ireland, opposing the IRA, cede Northern Ireland to Britain - pre- dominantly Protestant, rabidly anti-catholic.	500 members in Militia	Local fund raising and local protection rackets. Small but lately ineffective foreign fund raising.	Handguns, some rifles, hand made explosives (fertilzer or pipe bombs), some small amounts of stolen Semtex (typically siezed by raids on IRA or RIRA membership)
LVF	Extremely violent anti-catholic group formely led by Billy Wright who was murdered in prison.	?	Primarily catholic symthpathizers outside of Northern Ireland	Handguns, some rifles, hand made explosives (fertilzer or pipe bombs) and captured weapons such as assault rifles, grenade lanchers and perhaps a few bits of Semtex plastique.
Orange Volunteers (OV)	Extremely violent Protestant organization comprised of those who split after the cease-fire, dedicated to the prevention of political settlement of the Irish problems. Clamied numerous attacks on Catholics and Catholic civilian interests in Northern Ireland.	20 hardcore members and some 100s of sympathizers and funds donators	donations from local populace, not thought to have outside funding	rifles, assault weapons and various bombs from pipe to Semtex
Real IRA ( RIRA)	Targeting the Irish Peace Process, mainly dissident IRA members who believe the IRA has gone too soft. bent on killing anyone going to the peace table by creating havoc through terrorism. Split from the IRA in 1997. Dead set against any interim steps short of a fully independent Republic of Ireland, North and South. Designated a Terrorist group under the U.S. Anti-Terrorist and Death Penatly Act on May 16, 2001.	200 members plus the 32 County Sovereignty Commitee which serves as the poltical arm of the RIRA. Based primarily in Ireland with some weak support in Northern Ireland.	Graft and local contribution, with some hardliner IRA members perhaps funneling equipment and weapons to reduce the costs of operation to the RIRA.	Handguns, rocket launchers, explosives including Semtex plastic explosives, and mortars, most likely stolen from or gladly passed along by IRA members.
Republican Sinn Fein	Political wing of the CIRA	?	Suspected of leveraging IRA and RIRA sympathizers in U.S., Canada, and Australia as well as home in Ireland.	Political Only
Royal Irish Regiment of the British Military	Peacekeeping forces from British Military permanently stationed in Northern Ireland	5000+ mainstream military personnel and fixed quarters	British Government - Ministry of Defense (MOD)	The entire military inventory of the British Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as help from the British Special Air Service (SAS) anti-terrorist squads.
Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC)	Northern Ireland's local police force - pre- dominantly protestant, tasked with keeping the peace such as it is. Viewed by Catholics as an officially armed wing of the Unionist Parties.	~9000 members and some 4,000+ so called reserves which can be called on in various areas within and around Northern Ireland	The government of Northern Ireland	Police sidearms such as handguns, armored cars, some special weapons (sniper rifles and tear gas guns for instance) and riot control units
Sinn Finn	Political wing of the original IRA	?	Worldwide fund rasing, extremely effective as compared to any other Irish related fund raising organization	Political only
Ulster Defense Association (UDA)	Preserve the "British Character" of Northern Ireland, opposing the IRA, cede Northern Ireland to Britain - pre- dominantly Protestant, rabidly anti-catholic.	Most remaining members are actually in the UFF (see above) today or have been captured, imprisoned or killed.	-	-
Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF)	Preserve the "British Character" of Northern Ireland, opposing the IRA, cede Northern Ireland to Britain - pre- dominantly Protestant, rabidly anti-catholic.	100 + acknowledged members plus some unknown number of paramilitary trained members of the Ulster Democratic Party (political wing of the UFF)	Local fund raising and local protection rackets. Small but lately ineffective foreign fund raising.	Handguns, some rifles, hand made explosives (fertilzer or pipe bombs), some small amounts of stolen Semtex (typically siezed by raids on IRA or RIRA membership)
Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF)	Preserve the "British Character" of Northern Ireland, opposing the IRA, cede Northern Ireland to Britain - pre- dominantly Protestant, rabidly anti-catholic.	100 + acknowledged members plus some unknown number of paramilitary trained members of the Progressive Unionist Party (politial wing of the UVF)	Local fund raising and local protection rackets. Small but lately ineffective foreign fund raising.	Handguns, some rifles, hand made explosives (fertilzer or pipe bombs), some small amounts of stolen Semtex (typically siezed by raids on IRA or RIRA membership)