The partner of Michael McKevitt, the man reputed to lead the Real IRA hardline terrorist group, appeared live on radio yesterday to condemn the mass murder bomb attack on Omagh.
Bernadette Sands McKevitt also welcomed the Real IRA's suspension of military operations.
Ms Sands McKevitt, who, together with her partner, has reportedly moved out of their home in the border town of Dundalk, County Louth, because of fears for the safety of their family, said she had not previously heard of the overnight development.
She made the comments on Liveline, a daily phone-in and interview programme on RTE, the Irish broadcasting service.
Ms Sands McKevitt, a sister of IRA man Bobby Sands, who died on hunger strike in Northern Ireland's Maze prison in 1981, said she was sure the people behind the bombing would be brought to justice.
Ms Sands McKevitt, vice-chairperson of the 32 County Sovereignty Committee, allegedly the political wing of the Real IRA, said: ''I would prefer we see this done by peaceful means, because that is the only way forward.''
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