EVIDENCE HAD MEMBERS OF A COMMONS COMMITTEE DROPPING THEIR JAWS
Evidence had members of a Commons committee dropping their jaws
BY SAM LISTER
MEMBERS of the Northern Ireland Select Committee at Westminster are not used to evidence being delivered in a frank and direct nature.
Some witnesses try to be diplomatic and discreet, fearful of causing upset in the power-sharing era, while the odd one or two are positively evasive.
Norman Baxter's evidence group last night had some members dropping their jaws in disbelief.
The former Head of Serious Crime Branch, now retired, was called to give evidence on its investigation into the Omagh bombing.
He set out in no uncertain terms that political interference had meant there were missed opportunities in the lead up to the atrocity that left 29 dead.
Although he refused to lay blame at the door of any individual, he was absolutely resolute "the authorities" had given free reign to the bombers.
A policy of de-escalation of security operations to fit in with the political landscape meant chances were lost.
Intelligence evidence that should have been shared before and after the horrific blast was not.
Many have long believed there was more that could have been done, the professional standing of the man giving evidence means those claims cannot be ignored.
Chairman Sir Patrick Cormac intervened a number of times to repeat back his words to him to ensure everyone was clear about exactly what he meant, almost in disbelief at the frank nature of the evidence.
Members interrupted to ask a number of times "you are seriously telling me..." or tell him "you are making a very serious allegation".
But the man before them was softly-spoken, sombre and direct.
Asked about his motivation for agreeing to appear before them, he insisted it was simply because he was asked.
The committee will now reflect seriously on the comments he has made. As one member told him, it could change the whole direction of the inquiry.
BY SAM LISTER
MEMBERS of the Northern Ireland Select Committee at Westminster are not used to evidence being delivered in a frank and direct nature.
Some witnesses try to be diplomatic and discreet, fearful of causing upset in the power-sharing era, while the odd one or two are positively evasive.
Norman Baxter's evidence group last night had some members dropping their jaws in disbelief.
The former Head of Serious Crime Branch, now retired, was called to give evidence on its investigation into the Omagh bombing.
He set out in no uncertain terms that political interference had meant there were missed opportunities in the lead up to the atrocity that left 29 dead.
Although he refused to lay blame at the door of any individual, he was absolutely resolute "the authorities" had given free reign to the bombers.
A policy of de-escalation of security operations to fit in with the political landscape meant chances were lost.
Intelligence evidence that should have been shared before and after the horrific blast was not.
Many have long believed there was more that could have been done, the professional standing of the man giving evidence means those claims cannot be ignored.
Chairman Sir Patrick Cormac intervened a number of times to repeat back his words to him to ensure everyone was clear about exactly what he meant, almost in disbelief at the frank nature of the evidence.
Members interrupted to ask a number of times "you are seriously telling me..." or tell him "you are making a very serious allegation".
But the man before them was softly-spoken, sombre and direct.
Asked about his motivation for agreeing to appear before them, he insisted it was simply because he was asked.
The committee will now reflect seriously on the comments he has made. As one member told him, it could change the whole direction of the inquiry.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/1177
Published Date: 12-Nov-09
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