MGOH:

"It's very comparable to the level of preparation and resources needed for an IRA bombing campaign in England. The assumption that there was any need for a great deal of coordination and support from outside is just an assumption. The whole essence of this type of operation is that it becomes autonomous - even self-financing. I think there is very little likelihood that eliminating external sources of support will make any difference for a long time."

OK lets take a closer look at this:

1. Does this organisation have a safe operational base - Yes, the Republic of Ireland. This is used to protect it's stores of munitions, explosives and detonators. The command structure of the organisation is based in the Republic, as are it's training facilities, Quarter-master functions and it's planning staff.

2. Is this organisation self financing - to a certain degree for both sides of paramilitaries in the North - mainly through drugs, extorsion and robbery. These activities are used to maintain the operations locally, However, the main source of funding for the Republicans comes from the USA - still does.

Operations are well planned and co-ordinated - for that you need an organisation and discipline - nothing autonomous about it Kevin - nothing gets done that isn't sanctioned.