A Dundalk man due to release a book this week could be set to face legal action over his alleged role in an attack on RUC officers during the Troubles.

Michael Ryan, who took part in the IRA’s border campaign between 1956 and 1962 admits to being present at the Ballsmill attack, outside Newry in 1959.

In his book ‘My Life in the IRA’ the 81-year-old reveals his central role in detonating the landmine which seriously injured two RUC officers in a vehicle.

“The jeep was hit all right, because I could see some parts of it fly into the air and land a few yards away,” Ryan wrote.

“We were showered with clay and debris. The three of us immediately opened fire on the jeep.”

Two RUC officers – Constable William Johnston (28) and Special Constable Trevor Boyle (21), who was in the reserve police force known as the ‘B’ Specials – suffered serious injuries.

Ryan, originally from East Wall in Dublin but now living in Dundalk, also wrote that after escaping across the border, he was disappointed that the operation had not been as successful as he had hoped.

The book’s revelations have prompted calls for a police investigation. DUP MLA William Irwin told The Belfast Telegraph that Ryan should be brought before the courts.

The Newry MLA said: “This was clearly attempted murder and anyone responsible for that needs to be brought before the courts.

“I think it’s important that those responsible for acts are held accountable.

“He seems to suggest that he’s sorry someone wasn’t killed. I think it’s an indictment of this man and I believe he needs to be arrested and questioned about these offences.

“He’s admitting to crimes that are very serious and admitting to the fact that he’s sorry it didn’t have a different outcome and he wasn’t successful with his murder bid.

“Those officers suffered serious injuries which they had to live with for the rest of their lives.

“If this particular man can boast about this in a book, then it’s vital he’s questioned and I would call on the PSNI to investigate these remarks.”

The book is the first account by an IRA member who was active during the border campaign.

The book, edited by former Irish Times journalist Padraig Yeates, will be launched by Mercier Press in Dublin on Thursday.

The PSNI said they would consider a response when they had a chance to look at the book’s contents.