BLAST RELATIVES IN PROBE PLEA OVER OMAGH
Blast relatives in probe plea over Omagh
By Louisa Nesbitt
OMAGH bomb victims' relatives have urged Garda officers to co-operate fully with their colleagues north of the border in the investigation into the atrocity.
They said their first meeting with senior officers in the Republic last night was at times "very difficult and frank".
But Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was among the 29 people and two unborn babies killed in 1998 Real IRA attack, said gardai were left in no doubt of what was expected of them. Speaking in Monaghan after the four hour meeting he said: "We have urged both the Garda and the PSNI to co-operate fully. "What we all want is to see those responsible for Omagh behind bars.
"We were given assurances that they will work to that end." He said a number of issues were discussed with Assistant Garda Commissioner Kevin Carty and Detective Superintendent Tadhg Foley, many of which could not be aired in public.
Relatives quizzed them about the man alleged to have stolen the car used in the atrocity.
"We did raise that but they described it as an operational matter," Mr Gallagher said.
The families are desperately trying to raise enough cash for their High Court action later this year against the men they claim plotted the attack.
It is more than four-and-a-half years since the atrocity, but despite a lengthy police investigation nobody has so far been charged with murder.
By Louisa Nesbitt
OMAGH bomb victims' relatives have urged Garda officers to co-operate fully with their colleagues north of the border in the investigation into the atrocity.
They said their first meeting with senior officers in the Republic last night was at times "very difficult and frank".
But Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was among the 29 people and two unborn babies killed in 1998 Real IRA attack, said gardai were left in no doubt of what was expected of them. Speaking in Monaghan after the four hour meeting he said: "We have urged both the Garda and the PSNI to co-operate fully. "What we all want is to see those responsible for Omagh behind bars.
"We were given assurances that they will work to that end." He said a number of issues were discussed with Assistant Garda Commissioner Kevin Carty and Detective Superintendent Tadhg Foley, many of which could not be aired in public.
Relatives quizzed them about the man alleged to have stolen the car used in the atrocity.
"We did raise that but they described it as an operational matter," Mr Gallagher said.
The families are desperately trying to raise enough cash for their High Court action later this year against the men they claim plotted the attack.
It is more than four-and-a-half years since the atrocity, but despite a lengthy police investigation nobody has so far been charged with murder.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0888
Published Date: 17-May-03
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