The attack comes shortly after Sir Hugh Orde, the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, requested the Special Reconnaissance Regiment's help to gather intelligence on dissident republicans.

BBC: Two die in 'barbaric' Army attack

The vote on Rule 21 at Saturday's special congress was taken following the official changeover earlier this month from the Royal Ulster Constabulary into the Police Service of Northern Ireland, as part of measures under the Good Friday Agreement political accord.

BBC: Gaelic sport ends forces ban