IN/0561

An example of courage for all

WHILE a civil case is a world away from a criminal prosecution, the initiative launched yesterday by the families of the victims of the Omagh atrocity was still a significant development.
The fact that no-one has been directly charged with the murder of 29 people and two unborn children slaughtered in the Co Tyrone town just over four years ago is an appalling indictment of the authorities on both sides of the border.
All the problems associated with the police investigation into the Real IRA atrocity have been comprehensively documented by now, and it seems unlikely, barring a completely unexpected twist, that anyone will ever be convicted of specific involvement in the bombing.
Given the assurances offered by the British and Irish governments in the immediate wake of the explosion, the Omagh relatives are entitled to feel badly let down by subsequent events.
In many ways, it was inevitable that the families would be forced into seeking justice through civil procedures.
It is impossible to predict the final outcome of the case, but the relatives will still have the satisfaction of their day in court and a public examination of the evidence against the accused men.
The individuals in question could try to ignore the writs which were served yesterday, and cannot be jailed as a result of a civil action.
However, it remains possible that any assets they possess may be seized by the courts when a judgment is issued.
If the suspects have nothing to hide, they will presumably welcome the opportunity to clear their names.
"Whatever happens next, there can only be huge admiration for the determination displayed by the Omagh relatives.
They refused to allow themselves to be overtaken by a sense of helplessness and despair after the loss of their loved ones.
Instead, they explored every option available to them under the law and eventually succeeded in raising the £1 million necessary to allow the civil case to be commenced.
The courage they have revealed is inspirational, and, regardless of the verdict of the civil courts, their position has already been morally vindicated.