OMAGH FATHER CALLS FOR FULL PUBLIC ENQUIRY
Omagh father calls for full public inquiry
By Sharon O'Neill
Chief Reporter
A FATHER whose son was killed in the Omagh bombing last night issued a fresh call for a public inquiry following claims that the Garda failed to pass on information that could have prevented the attack.
Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was killed in the Real IRA blast, is to seek urgent talks with the Taoiseach and British Prime Minister over the latest claims surrounding the investigation.
Three civil servants in the Republic have been appointed to probe allegations that Irish Special Branch failed to pass on information from an informant who claimed that a Real IRA unit was trying to obtain a car to plant a bomb in Northern Ireland, just days before the Omagh bombing.
The latest claims - which have been strenuously denied by the Garda Siochana - follow a damning report into the RUC's handling of the investigation by Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan.
Twenty-nine people including a woman pregnant with twins were killed in the Real IRA bomb attack in Omagh on August 15, 1998. So far only one person has been charged over the worst single atrocity of the troubles.
Yesterday Omagh bomb relatives met British Home Secretary David Blunkett in London to voice their concern over the latest revelations.
In a statement Mr Blunkett said: "I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the victims of the Omagh bombing, to their relatives, and to all those who have suffered as a result of this terrible atrocity in 1998.
"In our meeting today, I listened carefully to the concerns of the Omagh victims. I am willing to look at any assistance I can provide, and I will be discussing the group's concerns with my right honourable friend, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
"The government is resolved to tackle terrorism in all its forms, and all those who support it. We are determined see that all those responsible for the Omagh bombing are brought to justice. We owe this to the victims and will continue our efforts to this end."
Secretary of State John Reid insisted: "The police, both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic, are committed bringing the perpetrators to justice, but they need evidence tobring prosecutions.
"Anyone with any conscience or humanity and who has any information should supply it the police."
But Michael Gallagher said he had little faith in the governments' pledge to bring the bombers to justice.
"I feel very angry about it. I believe what we have been told isn't the truth," he said.
"Every time something else comes to the surface it another blow for us - all we want is justice.
"Serious questions need to be answered and we will continue our efforts to get to the truth."
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams called for the inquiry findings to be made public and for the appointment of an independent Garda ombudsman.
"This is a matter of public confidence and it has to be very very transparent and a matter of public ownership," he said.
By Sharon O'Neill
Chief Reporter
A FATHER whose son was killed in the Omagh bombing last night issued a fresh call for a public inquiry following claims that the Garda failed to pass on information that could have prevented the attack.
Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was killed in the Real IRA blast, is to seek urgent talks with the Taoiseach and British Prime Minister over the latest claims surrounding the investigation.
Three civil servants in the Republic have been appointed to probe allegations that Irish Special Branch failed to pass on information from an informant who claimed that a Real IRA unit was trying to obtain a car to plant a bomb in Northern Ireland, just days before the Omagh bombing.
The latest claims - which have been strenuously denied by the Garda Siochana - follow a damning report into the RUC's handling of the investigation by Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan.
Twenty-nine people including a woman pregnant with twins were killed in the Real IRA bomb attack in Omagh on August 15, 1998. So far only one person has been charged over the worst single atrocity of the troubles.
Yesterday Omagh bomb relatives met British Home Secretary David Blunkett in London to voice their concern over the latest revelations.
In a statement Mr Blunkett said: "I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the victims of the Omagh bombing, to their relatives, and to all those who have suffered as a result of this terrible atrocity in 1998.
"In our meeting today, I listened carefully to the concerns of the Omagh victims. I am willing to look at any assistance I can provide, and I will be discussing the group's concerns with my right honourable friend, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
"The government is resolved to tackle terrorism in all its forms, and all those who support it. We are determined see that all those responsible for the Omagh bombing are brought to justice. We owe this to the victims and will continue our efforts to this end."
Secretary of State John Reid insisted: "The police, both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic, are committed bringing the perpetrators to justice, but they need evidence tobring prosecutions.
"Anyone with any conscience or humanity and who has any information should supply it the police."
But Michael Gallagher said he had little faith in the governments' pledge to bring the bombers to justice.
"I feel very angry about it. I believe what we have been told isn't the truth," he said.
"Every time something else comes to the surface it another blow for us - all we want is justice.
"Serious questions need to be answered and we will continue our efforts to get to the truth."
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams called for the inquiry findings to be made public and for the appointment of an independent Garda ombudsman.
"This is a matter of public confidence and it has to be very very transparent and a matter of public ownership," he said.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0555
Published Date: 10-May-02
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