GALLAGHER WARNING ON REAL IRA
Gallagher warning on Real IRA
DISSIDENT republicans could carry out another bomb atrocity like Omagh unless the British government intervenes urgently, it has been claimed.
Michael Gallagher, whose son Aiden was killed in the 1998 Real IRA massacre, has sent a scathing letter to Secretary of State Peter Hain expressing alarm at an upsurge in activity by the group.
He has issued his warning days before south Armagh electrician Sean Hoey is due to go on trial in Belfast over the no-warning blast in Omagh.
Mr Gallagher claimed the government should be held to account for allowing dissident republicans to recruit and develop unchecked.
His fears have been heightened by a fire-bombing blitz which ripped through shops in Newry last month, causing millions of pounds worth of damage.
A similar attack destroyed two tyre depots in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, while Belfast to Dublin rail services have also disrupted by a series of bomb alerts.
Mr Gallagher said: "There has been a degree of co-ordination and expertise that allowed these latest attacks to happen.
"If that's not checked these people will go on to be even more effective and it seems there's nobody that is capable of disrupting these activities.
"We are heading towards a situation where they are becoming as proficient as the Provisional IRA were at their height.
"If they are allowed to continue it is only a matter of time until we have more town centre car bombs.
"That brings us closer to the position of another Omagh."
In the letter to the secretary of state, Mr Gallagher detailed concerns of the Omagh Victims Group at an increase in activity by the Real IRA and other organisations.
"Sadly both (the British and Irish) governments failed the families after the Omagh bomb by not bringing to justice those responsible and putting this terrorist group out of business," he said.
"We have no difficulty with any group organising politically. Unfortunately, anti-government violence and terrorism has been rewarded in this country."
The Northern Ireland Office confirmed Mr Gallagher's letter had been received.
"The secretary of state will respond in due course," a spokesman said.
"Both governments and law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border are committed to tackling terrorism.
"Those who carry out terrorist acts will be pursued with vigour and we would urge anyone with any relevant information to bring it to the attention of the appropriate authorities."
DISSIDENT republicans could carry out another bomb atrocity like Omagh unless the British government intervenes urgently, it has been claimed.
Michael Gallagher, whose son Aiden was killed in the 1998 Real IRA massacre, has sent a scathing letter to Secretary of State Peter Hain expressing alarm at an upsurge in activity by the group.
He has issued his warning days before south Armagh electrician Sean Hoey is due to go on trial in Belfast over the no-warning blast in Omagh.
Mr Gallagher claimed the government should be held to account for allowing dissident republicans to recruit and develop unchecked.
His fears have been heightened by a fire-bombing blitz which ripped through shops in Newry last month, causing millions of pounds worth of damage.
A similar attack destroyed two tyre depots in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, while Belfast to Dublin rail services have also disrupted by a series of bomb alerts.
Mr Gallagher said: "There has been a degree of co-ordination and expertise that allowed these latest attacks to happen.
"If that's not checked these people will go on to be even more effective and it seems there's nobody that is capable of disrupting these activities.
"We are heading towards a situation where they are becoming as proficient as the Provisional IRA were at their height.
"If they are allowed to continue it is only a matter of time until we have more town centre car bombs.
"That brings us closer to the position of another Omagh."
In the letter to the secretary of state, Mr Gallagher detailed concerns of the Omagh Victims Group at an increase in activity by the Real IRA and other organisations.
"Sadly both (the British and Irish) governments failed the families after the Omagh bomb by not bringing to justice those responsible and putting this terrorist group out of business," he said.
"We have no difficulty with any group organising politically. Unfortunately, anti-government violence and terrorism has been rewarded in this country."
The Northern Ireland Office confirmed Mr Gallagher's letter had been received.
"The secretary of state will respond in due course," a spokesman said.
"Both governments and law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border are committed to tackling terrorism.
"Those who carry out terrorist acts will be pursued with vigour and we would urge anyone with any relevant information to bring it to the attention of the appropriate authorities."
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0797
Published Date: 01-Sep-06
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