The question of whether the Irish Republican Army (IRA) still exists is nuanced, as the term "IRA" has been used by various organizations throughout history. While the primary iteration, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA), declared an end to its armed campaign, several splinter groups continue to operate under different names, maintaining a presence in dissident republican activities.
The Provisional IRA: An End to the Armed Campaign
The Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) was the most prominent republican paramilitary organization during "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland. Formed in 1969, it engaged in an armed struggle against the British presence in Northern Ireland and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC).
- 1997 Ceasefire: The PIRA declared a complete cessation of military operations in 1997.
- Good Friday Agreement: Its political wing, Sinn Féin, became a key player in the peace process leading to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
- 2005 Decommissioning: In 2005, the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) confirmed that the PIRA had "put all its arms beyond use," effectively ending its armed campaign. Following this, the PIRA stated it had formally ordered an end to its armed campaign and instructed its members to pursue political and democratic means.
Therefore, the Provisional IRA, as the significant, unified military force it once was, no longer exists in that capacity or engages in armed operations.
Emergence of Dissident Republican Groups
Despite the PIRA's decommissioning, splits within the republican movement led to the formation of several splinter groups. These organizations reject the peace process and continue to engage in what they term "armed struggle" against the British state in Northern Ireland.
Key dissident republican groups include:
- The Continuity IRA (CIRA): Formed in the mid-1980s by hardline republicans who opposed the political direction of the Provisional IRA. The Continuity IRA is still active in the dissident Irish republican campaign, albeit with a smaller operational capacity compared to the PIRA in its heyday.
- The Real IRA (RIRA): Formed in 1997, largely by former Provisional IRA members who rejected the ceasefire. This group gained notoriety for the Omagh bombing in 1998 and other attacks. The Real IRA, like the CIRA, remains a part of the dissident republican landscape, though its activities have faced significant disruption from security forces.
These groups represent a continued, albeit marginalized, form of armed republicanism, distinct from the mainstream political movement.
Understanding the "IRA" Today
When people refer to the "IRA" today, they typically are referring to the historical Provisional IRA, which has largely ceased its armed activities. However, it's crucial to understand that the legacy and name have been adopted by smaller, more extreme factions.
| IRA Faction | Period of Activity | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Original IRA | Early 20th Century (War of Independence, etc.) | Evolved into different entities; this specific iteration is historical. |
| Provisional IRA (PIRA) | 1969 - 2005 (Active Armed Campaign) | Declared an end to its armed campaign in 2005 and decommissioned weapons. Its political wing, Sinn Féin, is a major political party. No longer an active paramilitary organization. |
| Continuity IRA (CIRA) | Mid-1980s - Present | Still active as a dissident republican paramilitary group, rejecting the peace process. |
| Real IRA (RIRA) | 1997 - Present | Still active as a dissident republican paramilitary group, formed by hardline Provisional IRA dissidents. Has faced significant internal splits and disruption but continues to be a threat. |
| New IRA | Formed ~2012 (amalgamation of RIRA remnants etc.) | An umbrella group comprising elements of the Real IRA and other factions. Considered the most active dissident republican group by security forces, though its operational capacity is limited compared to the PIRA at its peak. Actively engaged in limited paramilitary activities. |
In conclusion, while the dominant Provisional IRA is no longer an active paramilitary organization, the term "IRA" lives on through smaller, fragmented, and illegal dissident republican groups that continue to engage in violence.
