BT/0772

GARDAI PLEDGE TO HUNT OMAGH KILLERS

Gardai pledge to hunt Omagh killers
By Smyth Harper

THE hunt for the killers behind the Omagh bomb is still a key priority for the gardai, it was claimed today.
Michael Gallagher, of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group, was speaking to the Belfast Telegraph after meeting with the Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne.
Mr Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old son Adrian in the 1998 explosion which killed 29, said the families of the victims could take comfort from Mr Byrne's commitment.
"Because we don't see anything happening we sometimes feel that nothing is happening," Mr Gallagher said.
"But Pat Byrne assured us that is not the case and said the investigation was still high up the agenda.
"He said it was a long and complicated process and pointed out the investigation into the murder of Veronica Guerin had taken four years before producing results - and it is still ongoing."
He said the meeting was helpful and gave the families a renewed sense of hope.
Before yesterday's meeting at Garda headquarters in Dublin, the group met with the British and Spanish ambassadors.
Two Spanish nationals were killed and 11 injured in the explosion.
The families are also pursuing those alleged to be behind the bombing in the civil courts.
"We need to raise £lm before mid-August, because that is when time runs out to bring a case," said Mr Gallagher.
"We are confident that if we can raise the money then the action would be successful."
Donations to the civil action campaign fund can be made by sending cheques, payable to 'Omagh Victims Legal Trust', to H2O Henry Hepworth Organisation, 5 John St, Holborn, London, WC1N2HH.


Further Information

Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH

Ref: BT/0772

Published Date: 06-Apr-01

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