BOMBERS WILL BE HUNTED EVEN IN CEASEFIRE AHERN
Bombers will be hunted even in ceasefire: Ahern
By CHRIS GLENNON and MARESE McDONAGH
THE Real IRA bombers who killed 28 in Omagh will be hunted down even if the breakaway group declares a permanent ceasefire.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern gave this pledge last night after the Cabinet cleared draconian powers against paramilitaries.
The Irish flag flew at half mast on Government buildings as the ministers approved a range of measures which, while stopping short of internment, were deemed draconian by those proposing them.
Mr Ahern said it was owed to the bereaved and maimed, and disclosed he did not know if the Omagh killers' "suspension'' of operations is long term or permanent.
From the brief, indirect contacts the Government had with the Real IRA and 32 County Sovereignty Committee he assumed they would meet within days and indicate "these operations will cease forthwith''.
He later greeted the North's First Minister David Trimble on his first visit to Dublin since the Good Friday deal.
Mr Trimble immediately underlined the new relationship between North and South since the pact. While in the past there had despite misgivings among some Ministers at possible claims of infringement of civil liberties.
While there was guarded welcome for the Real IRA declaration of a "suspension'' of activities, the intention of the breakaway group was treated with scepticism.
Mr Ahern: "We won't be satisfied until they meet and declare a total end to military activity.''
Police actions would continue in an effort to get the perpetrators of Omagh and "lock them up for a long time,'' he said. RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan said it was "much too soon'' to add weight to the claim of a suspension of activities.
Mr Trimble accused the Real IRA of a number of lies in trying to evade responsibility for death and destruction.
"Words fail me'' was the most common sentiment of the thousands who came to the Mansion House not just to sign the book of condolences but also to leave Mass cards and flowers which hours later were delivered to the victims of the bombing in hospitals throughout the North.
By CHRIS GLENNON and MARESE McDONAGH
THE Real IRA bombers who killed 28 in Omagh will be hunted down even if the breakaway group declares a permanent ceasefire.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern gave this pledge last night after the Cabinet cleared draconian powers against paramilitaries.
The Irish flag flew at half mast on Government buildings as the ministers approved a range of measures which, while stopping short of internment, were deemed draconian by those proposing them.
Mr Ahern said it was owed to the bereaved and maimed, and disclosed he did not know if the Omagh killers' "suspension'' of operations is long term or permanent.
From the brief, indirect contacts the Government had with the Real IRA and 32 County Sovereignty Committee he assumed they would meet within days and indicate "these operations will cease forthwith''.
He later greeted the North's First Minister David Trimble on his first visit to Dublin since the Good Friday deal.
Mr Trimble immediately underlined the new relationship between North and South since the pact. While in the past there had despite misgivings among some Ministers at possible claims of infringement of civil liberties.
While there was guarded welcome for the Real IRA declaration of a "suspension'' of activities, the intention of the breakaway group was treated with scepticism.
Mr Ahern: "We won't be satisfied until they meet and declare a total end to military activity.''
Police actions would continue in an effort to get the perpetrators of Omagh and "lock them up for a long time,'' he said. RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan said it was "much too soon'' to add weight to the claim of a suspension of activities.
Mr Trimble accused the Real IRA of a number of lies in trying to evade responsibility for death and destruction.
"Words fail me'' was the most common sentiment of the thousands who came to the Mansion House not just to sign the book of condolences but also to leave Mass cards and flowers which hours later were delivered to the victims of the bombing in hospitals throughout the North.
Further Information
Publisher: IRISH INDEPENDENT
Ref: II/058
Published Date: 20-Aug-98
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