A prominent republican has appeared in court in Belfast charged with being a member of the IRA. Colin Duffy (47) from Lurgan in Co. Armagh has been remanded in custody until January.

He nodded to supporters in the public gallery as he entered the dock and refused to stand or respond when the charges were read to him.

Two other men - aged 46 and 52 - were also charged with possession of firearms with intent to endanger life or damage property.

The trio appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court surrounded by prison officers and armed riot police. They did not speak during the hearing.

Journalist Alan Murray is there.