Some, motivated by malice, may have wished to settle accounts with the former IRA leadership they now despise.
The procedures at such trials depended on the local IRA leadership; many were kangaroo courts imposing summary justice.
They did not succeed, but announced that they would no longer be taking orders from the IRA leadership in Dublin.
The IRA leadership denied knowledge of the arms buys.
By the mid-1970s, the hopes of the IRA leadership for a quick military victory were receding.
At this time, the IRA leadership, short of money, weapons and members, was on the brink of calling off the campaign.
By 1946 serious efforts were being made to re-establish the IRA leadership.
In 1972, the IRA leadership thought that Britain was on the verge of leaving Northern Ireland.
By early 1976, the IRA leadership, short of money, weapons and members, was on the brink of calling off the campaign.
The IRA leadership was deeply divided over the decision by the Dáil to ratify the Treaty.