BLAIR'S MEN IN SNUBBING ROW
Blairs men in 'snubbing' row
PRIME Minister Tony Blair's officials were last night accused of snubbing the families of those killed in the Omagh bomb on the fourth anniversary of the atrocity.
Patsy Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aidan was among the 29 people killed four years ago by the Real IRA, rounded on Downing Street officials for failing to respond to an invitation for him to attend a memorial service held today in the Co Tyrone town.
Mrs Gallagher, who sent the invite on July 27, said she was "angry" at not having received any acknowledgement from the Prime Minister's office following her letter.
"I am angry because I think that he can sort out a lot," she said.
"We have been searching for answers and he's been spending a lot of time in America helping the people there.
"I had thought maybe he would come and help us as well."
While acknowledging Mr Blair was on holidays and had had a recent family tragedy to deal with, Mrs Gallagher nevertheless insisted: "I understand that, but an acknowledgement and an explanation would have been nice, that he still knew we were here.
"They have not even acknowledged the letter.
"Time has gone on. It is four years now and we have been looking for justice and nobody seems to be of any help to us.
"This country is overcrowded with politicians but they are not willing to help us. I think Tony Blair is our last resort."
Mrs Gallagher's criticism followed hard on confirmation that two victims' families have had writs served on Secretary of State John Reid and acting Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn over the failure to catch the bombers.
She told BBC Radio Ulster of her disappointment after a minute's silence for the victims of the Real IRA car bomb was held in the town during a special cross-community religious service marking the fourth anniversary.
Flowers in memory of the Omagh bomb victims were also placed at a memorial garden near the scene of the 1998 attack during the lunchtime service.
Later, a Downing Street spokesman said officials would "look into" what happened to the letter.
"The Prime Minister's thoughts are with the families on what must be a very difficult day.
"We will look into what happened to the letter. We make every effort to respond to all letters as quickly as possible.
"The government is determined to see that those responsible are brought to justice."
PRIME Minister Tony Blair's officials were last night accused of snubbing the families of those killed in the Omagh bomb on the fourth anniversary of the atrocity.
Patsy Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aidan was among the 29 people killed four years ago by the Real IRA, rounded on Downing Street officials for failing to respond to an invitation for him to attend a memorial service held today in the Co Tyrone town.
Mrs Gallagher, who sent the invite on July 27, said she was "angry" at not having received any acknowledgement from the Prime Minister's office following her letter.
"I am angry because I think that he can sort out a lot," she said.
"We have been searching for answers and he's been spending a lot of time in America helping the people there.
"I had thought maybe he would come and help us as well."
While acknowledging Mr Blair was on holidays and had had a recent family tragedy to deal with, Mrs Gallagher nevertheless insisted: "I understand that, but an acknowledgement and an explanation would have been nice, that he still knew we were here.
"They have not even acknowledged the letter.
"Time has gone on. It is four years now and we have been looking for justice and nobody seems to be of any help to us.
"This country is overcrowded with politicians but they are not willing to help us. I think Tony Blair is our last resort."
Mrs Gallagher's criticism followed hard on confirmation that two victims' families have had writs served on Secretary of State John Reid and acting Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn over the failure to catch the bombers.
She told BBC Radio Ulster of her disappointment after a minute's silence for the victims of the Real IRA car bomb was held in the town during a special cross-community religious service marking the fourth anniversary.
Flowers in memory of the Omagh bomb victims were also placed at a memorial garden near the scene of the 1998 attack during the lunchtime service.
Later, a Downing Street spokesman said officials would "look into" what happened to the letter.
"The Prime Minister's thoughts are with the families on what must be a very difficult day.
"We will look into what happened to the letter. We make every effort to respond to all letters as quickly as possible.
"The government is determined to see that those responsible are brought to justice."
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0565
Published Date: 16-Aug-02
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