DON'T FORGET US OMAGH RELATIVES
Don't forget us: Omagh relatives
By Billy Foley
RELATIVES of the victims of the Omagh bomb last night called on the British and Irish governments not to forget them.
The relatives called on the two governments to reinvigorate a campaign to prosecute the people who planted the bomb which killed 31 people.
Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son was killed in the explosion, said the relatives "in desperation" had decided to pursue the major suspects in the civil courts.
A number of relatives held a vigil outside Downing Street last night where Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Prime Minister Tony Blair held talks aimed at securing a deal in the peace process.
Speaking from London, Mr Gallagher said he felt the August 1998 bomb was now "slipping down the agenda". He was joined outside Downing Street by the parents of 12-year-old James Barker who was also killed in the blast.
Mr Gallagher said assurances given by Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair that the perpetrators would be brought to justice and the Real IRA disbanded have "proved hollow".
"The Real IRA is flourishing. As recruits and funds increase, their effectiveness and arrogance grows. Only good luck has prevented further deaths, " he said.
"Their bombs and the mortar attack on the M16 building have led to widespread disruption yet as recently as two months ago, their political wing, the 32 County Sovereignty Committee, was openly raising money in a public house."
Mr Gallagher called for support from the public for their legal campaign.
"The relatives of Omagh want peace but like the families of the Lockerbie victims, they want justice. For without justice there can be no peace."
Donations can be made to the Royal Bank of Scotland, Fleet Street Branch, London. Sort code 16 00 11, account No 10084990. Cheques can be sent to Omagh Victims Legal Trust, 1120 Henry Hepworth Organisation, 5 John Street, London WCIN 2HH.
By Billy Foley
RELATIVES of the victims of the Omagh bomb last night called on the British and Irish governments not to forget them.
The relatives called on the two governments to reinvigorate a campaign to prosecute the people who planted the bomb which killed 31 people.
Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son was killed in the explosion, said the relatives "in desperation" had decided to pursue the major suspects in the civil courts.
A number of relatives held a vigil outside Downing Street last night where Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Prime Minister Tony Blair held talks aimed at securing a deal in the peace process.
Speaking from London, Mr Gallagher said he felt the August 1998 bomb was now "slipping down the agenda". He was joined outside Downing Street by the parents of 12-year-old James Barker who was also killed in the blast.
Mr Gallagher said assurances given by Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair that the perpetrators would be brought to justice and the Real IRA disbanded have "proved hollow".
"The Real IRA is flourishing. As recruits and funds increase, their effectiveness and arrogance grows. Only good luck has prevented further deaths, " he said.
"Their bombs and the mortar attack on the M16 building have led to widespread disruption yet as recently as two months ago, their political wing, the 32 County Sovereignty Committee, was openly raising money in a public house."
Mr Gallagher called for support from the public for their legal campaign.
"The relatives of Omagh want peace but like the families of the Lockerbie victims, they want justice. For without justice there can be no peace."
Donations can be made to the Royal Bank of Scotland, Fleet Street Branch, London. Sort code 16 00 11, account No 10084990. Cheques can be sent to Omagh Victims Legal Trust, 1120 Henry Hepworth Organisation, 5 John Street, London WCIN 2HH.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0506
Published Date: 02-Jan-01
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