John Lennon and the IRA?

Was John Lennon really donating money to Irish terrorists? What was the reason behind the FBI's and Britain's MI5's interest in the nasally, former guitarist, co-writer and singer with the Drab Four? Just like me, neither agency was a fan of Lennon. They thought he was a threat to national security as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes in its report that references Celebrity Secrets. Me: I just thought he was crap. Imagine - someone please pass the sick-bag.