OMAGH BOMB SUSPECT MAY FACE CHARGES
Omagh bomb suspect may face charges
By Staff Reporter
FATHER whose son was killed in the Omagh bombing last night welcomed reports that another suspect could face charges directly linked to the worst single atrocity of the Troubles.
It was reported yesterday that a man, currently in jail in the Republic on an unrelated offence, could be prosecuted. It is believed gardai and the PSNI are jointly coordinating the latest bid to bring charges against another Omagh bomb suspect.
It has been claimed police north of the border are preparing a file on the suspect to be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration. Twenty-nine people including a woman pregnant with twins were killed in the 1998 Real IRA attack in Omagh.
Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan was highly critical of the original RUC probe into the bombing accusing Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan of "defective leadership, poor judgment and lack of urgency".
However, a rejuvenated PSNI probe recently saw the first man from Northern Ireland charged in connection with the explosion.
Colm Murphy, from Ravensdale, Dundalk, is the only person so far convicted over the bombing and is currently serving a 14-year prison term in the Republic. Last night Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was killed, welcomed news of further possible progress in the probe.
"I am delighted that the joint investigation is moving forward," he said.
"I am saddened it has taken five-and-a-half years to see people come before the courts over Omagh."
Relatives are still pursuing their civil action against those suspected of involvement in the bombing including Colm Murphy.
The others are:
Seamus Daly from Culloville, Co Monaghan, who earlier this month pleaded guilty to membership of the Real IRA
Michael McKevitt, from Blackrock, Co Louth, who last year was jailed in the Republic for directing terrorism
Liam Campbell, from Upper Faughart, Dundalk, who is currently in prison serving time for membership of an illegal organisation
Seamus McKenna, Dundalk, Co Louth, is awaiting trial in the republic on a charge of unlawful possession of explosives.
By Staff Reporter
FATHER whose son was killed in the Omagh bombing last night welcomed reports that another suspect could face charges directly linked to the worst single atrocity of the Troubles.
It was reported yesterday that a man, currently in jail in the Republic on an unrelated offence, could be prosecuted. It is believed gardai and the PSNI are jointly coordinating the latest bid to bring charges against another Omagh bomb suspect.
It has been claimed police north of the border are preparing a file on the suspect to be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration. Twenty-nine people including a woman pregnant with twins were killed in the 1998 Real IRA attack in Omagh.
Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan was highly critical of the original RUC probe into the bombing accusing Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan of "defective leadership, poor judgment and lack of urgency".
However, a rejuvenated PSNI probe recently saw the first man from Northern Ireland charged in connection with the explosion.
Colm Murphy, from Ravensdale, Dundalk, is the only person so far convicted over the bombing and is currently serving a 14-year prison term in the Republic. Last night Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was killed, welcomed news of further possible progress in the probe.
"I am delighted that the joint investigation is moving forward," he said.
"I am saddened it has taken five-and-a-half years to see people come before the courts over Omagh."
Relatives are still pursuing their civil action against those suspected of involvement in the bombing including Colm Murphy.
The others are:
Seamus Daly from Culloville, Co Monaghan, who earlier this month pleaded guilty to membership of the Real IRA
Michael McKevitt, from Blackrock, Co Louth, who last year was jailed in the Republic for directing terrorism
Liam Campbell, from Upper Faughart, Dundalk, who is currently in prison serving time for membership of an illegal organisation
Seamus McKenna, Dundalk, Co Louth, is awaiting trial in the republic on a charge of unlawful possession of explosives.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0619
Published Date: 25-Mar-04
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