Key Takeaways
- Bobby Storey was considered the head of intelligence of the IRA from the mid-1990s
- He was the northern chairman of Sinn Féin
- Storey spent over 20 years in jail, including internment without trial at the age of 17
- He was linked to several major incidents, including the Northern Bank robbery
- UK government believed the Northern Bank robbery was too complex to have been solely organized by a brigade
Introduction to Bobby Storey
Bobby Storey was a prominent figure in the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and later became the northern chairman of Sinn Féin. He was considered the head of intelligence of the IRA for a period from the mid-1990s, a position that was revealed under parliamentary privilege. Storey’s involvement with the IRA began at a young age, joining the organization in 1972 at the age of 16. Just a year later, he was interned without trial, marking the beginning of a long period of imprisonment that would span over 20 years.
Imprisonment and Alleged Involvement in Incidents
Storey’s time in prison was marked by allegations of involvement in several major incidents, including the Northern Bank robbery. Security sources linked him to this incident, which was considered too complex to have been solely organized by a brigade. The UK government was given to believe that Storey was instrumental in planning and executing the raid, which suggests a high level of sophistication and organization. The fact that Storey was able to evade detection and prosecution for so long is a testament to his cunning and ability to operate outside of the law.
Role in the IRA and Sinn Féin
Storey’s role in the IRA and later in Sinn Féin was significant, and his influence extended beyond his position as head of intelligence. As the northern chairman of Sinn Féin, he played a key role in shaping the party’s policies and direction. His experience and knowledge of the IRA’s inner workings made him a valuable asset to the party, and his leadership helped to guide Sinn Féin through a period of significant change and growth. Despite his controversial past, Storey was widely respected within the party and was seen as a unifying figure who could bring people together.
The Northern Bank Robbery
The Northern Bank robbery was a major incident that took place in 2004, in which thieves stole an estimated £26.5 million from the bank’s headquarters in Belfast. The robbery was notable for its sophistication and complexity, with the thieves using stolen identities and fake bomb threats to gain access to the bank’s vault. The incident was widely condemned, and the police launched a major investigation into the robbery. While Storey was never officially linked to the incident, security sources suggested that he was involved in planning and organizing the raid.
Legacy and Controversy
Storey’s legacy is complex and controversial, with some viewing him as a hero and others as a villain. His involvement in the IRA and alleged role in incidents such as the Northern Bank robbery have been widely criticized, and his time in prison has been seen as a testament to his willingness to break the law. However, his leadership and influence within Sinn Féin have also been widely respected, and his ability to bring people together and shape the party’s direction has been praised. Ultimately, Storey’s legacy will be remembered as one of controversy and complexity, reflecting the tumultuous and often violent history of the IRA and Sinn Féin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bobby Storey was a significant figure in the IRA and Sinn Féin, with a legacy that is both complex and controversial. His involvement in incidents such as the Northern Bank robbery and his time in prison have been widely criticized, but his leadership and influence within Sinn Féin have also been widely respected. As the UK government and Irish State papers continue to reveal more information about Storey’s past, it is clear that his impact on the history of the IRA and Sinn Féin will be remembered for years to come. Despite the controversy surrounding his legacy, Storey remains an important figure in the history of Irish republicanism, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.