The implications of this for Ulster's faltering peace process are dire. For it means that, while Sinn Fein were in discussions last month over sharing power at Stormont with the Democratic Unionists, the republican movement was in the final stages of planning an armed robbery.
Sinn Fein denies strenuously that the IRA took any part in this crime. Yet neither Hugh Orde nor the Government has any interest in framing the republicans. On the contrary, this revelation is a source of acute embarrassment for the Prime Minister. Tony Blair has invested endless time and energy not only in bringing about the Good Friday Agreement, but also in trying to restore devolved government at Stormont.
Nor does it serve any purpose for Sinn Fein to insist that it and the IRA are separate organisations. The Independent Monitoring Commission, set up to keep tabs on paramilitary activity in the province, said only last year that the two groups were "inextricably linked".
In reality, of course, it will come as little surprise to the people of Northern Ireland to be told that the IRA is involved in criminal activity. It has long been known that all the province's paramilitary groups are involved in organised crime. But for the IRA to be linked with such a high-profile crime at the very time when there were real hopes of a political breakthrough is a blow not only to the peace process, but also to Sinn Fein's hopes of achieving political respectability.
The republican movement had staked much on its expectations of making big gains in the General Election and in elections in the Irish Republic. But those hopes must surely now lie in ruins. An organisation that plans and executes any criminal activity, let alone a bank heist of this scale, cannot be allowed to be part of the democratic process in any civilised country.
Mr Orde's announcement has shown up the insistence of Sinn Fein/IRA that it had moved beyond violence for what it is – an elaborate sham. Hopefully, this will not be an end to the peace process itself – for the people of Northern Ireland will never countenance a return to the bad old days – but it must mean the end of Sinn Fein's involvement in that process, at least for the foreseeable future.

Show promises
Farming threat must be overcome
AN ABIDING feature of this Government has been how Ministers have shown a disregard for this country's rural areas, and their very specific needs. Indeed, they have presided over a stark decline in Britain's agricultural industry that has necessitated many farmers diversifying.
To their credit, they have responded to this challenge with great flair and imagination with new enterprises that have significantly enhanced the tourism potential of the countryside.
One significant factor has been the continuing success of agricultural shows. Yet there are now genuine concerns that the continuing viability of such events nationwide, including at least 20 shows in Yorkshire. It comes in the form of a Government review of public entertainment licences for major events and, most crucially, their cost.
Ministers are proposing a sliding scale, ranging from £5,000 to £50,000, which is dependent on attendance levels at such gatherings. They argue this is necessary so the same charges apply nationwide, without the vast discrepancies that exist at present. That may be so. But the fees proposed suggest a naive assumption on the Government's part that agricultural shows, point-to-point meetings and the like are operated at a vast profit. They do not. Much of the money raised is offset against running costs, or donated to worthwhile causes.
It is noteworthy that Sheffield Central MP Richard Caborn, the Minister responsible for the proposal, is insistent that most shows will be exempt from the new charges. But the onus is now on Mr Caborn, when he meets countryside leaders next week, to convince show organisers that their fears are groundless, if the Government is to avoid alienating rural communities still further.

Nelson's legacy
Hero of the seas is celebrated
THERE has been growing cause for concern at how younger generations are growing up ignorant of Britain's rich history. Indeed, one father was so appalled at this lack of knowledge that he has written his own guide book to seminal events in this country's past, a book that proved an instant bestseller.
With Britain's proud naval tradition being a crucial part of this history, young people are growing up blissfully unaware of how Lord Nelson gave his life as this country repelled the French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar.
The commemorations to be staged this year to mark the battle's 200th anniversary, however, will provide a timely opportunity to improve awareness about Nelson, as well as the tourism potential of Britain's maritime heritage.
It was also appropriate that rower Sir Matthew Pinsent and sailor Shirley Robertson launched the celebrations, for they are modern-day heroes of the water, although their field of combat was the Olympics. Both are inspirational figures, and role models, in their own right. Yet, Sir Matthew pointed out that he could not think of a hero who matched Nelson's status.
Many more are sure to agree with him later this year when the story of Britain's most famous seafarer is recreated for a new generation to consider and celebrate.