Banks and bankers are now potential targets for the Real IRA, its leaders have warned in an interview with the Guardian. Despite having only 100 activists they also said that targets in England remained a high priority. One element in the Real IRA's recent activity has been a wave of so-called ‘punishment’ shootings and beatings of those they deem ‘antisocial elements’ in nationalist working class areas. In Derry alone they have shot around two dozen men over the last 18 months. Its leadership was unapologetic over what its critics have described as ‘rough justice’. The group believes such attacks are popular and can garner support in areas where the communities were previously alienated from the police. They dismissed Sinn Féin's claims that its electoral strategy would ultimately yield a united Ireland despite the majority of nationalists in Northern Ireland still voting for Sinn Féin and an overwhelming majority backing the peace process.

Pray: for the forces of law to defeat criminals operating as self-appointed community leaders. (2Co.6:14)

More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/sep/14/real-ira-targets-banks-bankers?dbk