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Rocker and other stars backing legal fund drive

BOB Geldof is leading a host of celebrities who will today back the campaign to expose the Omagh bombers in a ground-breaking civil court action.
The flamboyant and often controversial rock star, who famously raised millions to fight famine in Africa through live Aid, says it will be a national disgrace if the Omagh relatives end up raiding their life savings or mortgaging their homes to finance the action.
Sir Bob will be among the speakers today at a star-studded Omagh Victims Legal Fund event in London.
First Minister David Trimble and former Secretary of State Peter Mandelson are expected to attend and a host of celebrities, including former world boxing champion Barry McGuigan, poet Seamus Heaney, writer Maeve Binchey and actor Liam Neeson are attending or sending strong messages of support.
Time is running out for the Omagh relatives who need to raise another £1.5 million by the end of April to finance their civil action.
Geldof's support is being seen as vital to the success of the campaign which has raised just £600,000 so far.
"Everyone knows what Sir Bob is capable of when he decides to support something he really believes in," an event organiser told the News Letter yesterday.
"We contacted him about the event at the weekend and it became obvious to us very quickly that he really believes in the plight of the Omagh victims and that he supports the fight to find those who were responsible for the massacre."
Last night, Geldof said: "What happened in Omagh is the UK's equivalent of what happened in America on September 11.
"Raising the money to fight this legal action must be a moral imperative for all of us.
"If the Omagh relatives fail in court with this campaign that is one thing and the verdict of the court will have to be accepted for better or worse.
"If they fail because of apathy and lack of money and generosity it will be nothing short of a national scandal for both Britain and Ireland," he said.
Families of the victims will gather at the Irish Club in Eaton Square, London, against a background banner which will read "The Real Freedom Fighters" - words used recently by an eminent foreign diplomat to describe their efforts.
Donations to the campaign can be sent directly to the Omagh Victims Legal Fund, 21 Southwick Mews, London W2, 1JG, or through any Bank of Ireland branch. The sort code is 905 002 and the account number 30790971