OMAGH OFFICER TO SEEK HELP FROM SF
Omagh officer to seek help from SF
A SENIOR detective is to ask Sinn Fein to help with the Omagh bomb investigation. Chief Superintendent Norman Baxter will urge senior party representatives to back the hunt for those involved in the 1998 Real IRA atrocity. Sinn Fein has been accused of refusing to aid the investigation into the attack but detectives hope that the party's decision to endorse policing structures could prove to be a turning point. It is understood that Mr Baxter wants Sinn Fein to declare publicly that anyone with information should speak to the inquiry team. So far only one man has been charged with the Omagh murders. South Armagh electrician Sean Hoey (37) is awaiting a judge's verdict after standing trial in Belfast. Detectives have identified areas on both sides of the border where the car used in the bombing was stolen and then stored before being taken to Omagh packed with 5001b of explosives. A PSNI spokesman confirmed the move may be imminent. "In light of the new attitude towards policing in a substantial part of the republican community, the senior investigating officer in the Omagh bomb investigation is examining the possibility of requesting the assistance of public representatives in south Armagh and Dundalk areas to encourage people to come forward with information," he said.
It is understood that Sinn Fein Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy will be among those contacted. Mr Murphy last night said he was unaware of the move. Arthur Morgan, Sinn Fein TD for Co Louth, also said he had not been contacted. "It doesn't matter whether Gerry Adams, Ian Paisley or the investigating officers asked, I have as much knowledge about the Omagh bombing as I read in the press," Mr Morgan said. Stanley McComb, whose wife Ann died in the blast, gave a cool response to the plan. "I have no faith in Sinn Fein. If they do know anything, or know people who do, why did they not speak up before?" he said. "But I suppose police are on the road to nowhere, so any information is better than none."
A SENIOR detective is to ask Sinn Fein to help with the Omagh bomb investigation. Chief Superintendent Norman Baxter will urge senior party representatives to back the hunt for those involved in the 1998 Real IRA atrocity. Sinn Fein has been accused of refusing to aid the investigation into the attack but detectives hope that the party's decision to endorse policing structures could prove to be a turning point. It is understood that Mr Baxter wants Sinn Fein to declare publicly that anyone with information should speak to the inquiry team. So far only one man has been charged with the Omagh murders. South Armagh electrician Sean Hoey (37) is awaiting a judge's verdict after standing trial in Belfast. Detectives have identified areas on both sides of the border where the car used in the bombing was stolen and then stored before being taken to Omagh packed with 5001b of explosives. A PSNI spokesman confirmed the move may be imminent. "In light of the new attitude towards policing in a substantial part of the republican community, the senior investigating officer in the Omagh bomb investigation is examining the possibility of requesting the assistance of public representatives in south Armagh and Dundalk areas to encourage people to come forward with information," he said.
It is understood that Sinn Fein Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy will be among those contacted. Mr Murphy last night said he was unaware of the move. Arthur Morgan, Sinn Fein TD for Co Louth, also said he had not been contacted. "It doesn't matter whether Gerry Adams, Ian Paisley or the investigating officers asked, I have as much knowledge about the Omagh bombing as I read in the press," Mr Morgan said. Stanley McComb, whose wife Ann died in the blast, gave a cool response to the plan. "I have no faith in Sinn Fein. If they do know anything, or know people who do, why did they not speak up before?" he said. "But I suppose police are on the road to nowhere, so any information is better than none."
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0833
Published Date: 09-Feb-07
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