PRESENCE OF GARDAI STIRS DUBLIN UNEASE
Presence of gardai stirs Dublin unease
IRISH Justice Minister John O'Donoghue is to be questioned in parliament about yesterday's surprise attendance of two high-ranking Dublin policemen at a meeting between Police Service of Northern Ireland chief Sir Ronnie Flanagan and relatives of Omagh bombing victims.
The meeting focused on criticism directed at Sir Ronnie's investigation of the Real IRA atrocity by Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan.
The two officers most closely involved in the Republic's contribution to the bombing investigation, Assistant Garda Siochana Commissioner Kevin Carty and Det Supt Tadgh Foley informed Mr O'Donoghue on Wednesday night of their decision to be at the meeting.
The minister raised no objection, but there was concern in opposition and some Dublin government circles about the implications of the two men being in on the Omagh exchanges.
It was feared that their attendance might be seen as backing for Sir Ronnie and implying criticism of Ms O'Loan's strong comments about police investigation of the Omagh bombing.
The Ombudsman's office made no comment.
But Irish government officials are known to have been in touch before the officers left Dublin.
They gave an assurance that the visit by the gardai was not an attempt to undermine the Ombudsman's position.
IRISH Justice Minister John O'Donoghue is to be questioned in parliament about yesterday's surprise attendance of two high-ranking Dublin policemen at a meeting between Police Service of Northern Ireland chief Sir Ronnie Flanagan and relatives of Omagh bombing victims.
The meeting focused on criticism directed at Sir Ronnie's investigation of the Real IRA atrocity by Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan.
The two officers most closely involved in the Republic's contribution to the bombing investigation, Assistant Garda Siochana Commissioner Kevin Carty and Det Supt Tadgh Foley informed Mr O'Donoghue on Wednesday night of their decision to be at the meeting.
The minister raised no objection, but there was concern in opposition and some Dublin government circles about the implications of the two men being in on the Omagh exchanges.
It was feared that their attendance might be seen as backing for Sir Ronnie and implying criticism of Ms O'Loan's strong comments about police investigation of the Omagh bombing.
The Ombudsman's office made no comment.
But Irish government officials are known to have been in touch before the officers left Dublin.
They gave an assurance that the visit by the gardai was not an attempt to undermine the Ombudsman's position.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/418
Published Date: 25-Jan-02
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