South Armagh man Paul Quinn died after being severely beaten last October.

Republicans are believed to have been involved, but there is no suggestion that the IRA leadership sanctioned the attack.

"At a senior level, no," one source commented. "In terms of people around locally, not clear at the moment."

It is understood the IMC plans to give "the best possible assessment" by April.

One source added: "Do we know who was involved (in the attack)? Yes we do.

"Is it clear there is a republican connection? Of course there is. There is no doubt that there were people there who have been involved in the IRA.

"When is somebody ex?" the source asked, meaning an ex-member of the IRA.

But there is no information in the intelligence assessment linking the Army Council to the murder.