Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today described Hugh Orde's assertion that the IRA were involved in the northern Bank Robbery in Belfast as a "serious set-back" to the peace process and that the allegations were a "matter of deep concern."

A spokesman for British PM Tony Blair said Mr.Blair was taking the statement of IRA involvement by Hugh Orde "very seriously."

The spokesman added that "Mr.Blair fully supports the Chief Constable in his efforts to bring those responsible for this major crime to account."

When I look past the tough words of the "deep concern" that is felt and that things are being taken "very seriously" I get the impression SF aren't going to be treated as harshly as unionists are hoping they will.