In the organisation’s New Year message, the leadership of the Real IRA said they would continue to target police and British military targets, as well as drug dealers.

“In the past 12 months Óglaigh na h’Éireann have continued to organise, develop and consolidate,” the statement reads. “We have carried out a number of attacks against British state interests in Ireland and our volunteers have stood shoulder to shoulder with our communities against the scourge of drugs. Óglaigh na h’Éireann have taken direct action against a number of drug networks across the country and, in the coming year, we not allow our communities to face this menace alone.

“In the coming year Óglaigh na hÉireann will continue to resist the British occupation of Ireland by any and all means including the force of arms. However, all republican organisations must remain disciplined and no one should engage in attacks or threats that they cannot immediately defend or explain. For our part, Óglaigh na h’Éireann will stand behind any actions we take,” the leadership’s statement said.

The dissident group acknowledged it is facing a difficult task, insisting their campaign would last as long as necessary.

“Republicans must develop realistic short and medium term goals.

“2009 will not be the year of victory and another phase of the long war is yet to begin in earnest. Óglaigh na h’Éireann is facing a huge uphill struggle but we will face it full-on; make no mistake, we are here for the long haul.”

The Real IRA also slammed the Catholic Church’s criticism of their campaign. “We would advise the church to clean up their own back yard before commenting on others. They should take the plank out of their own eyes before worrying themselves about the splinters in others.

“It is perhaps a small mercy that the church is no longer a major player in forming opinions in Irish society,” it said.