PERPETRATORS OF ATROCITY CAN STILL BE CAUGHT
Perpetrators of atrocity 'can still be caught'
NORTHERN Ireland Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan yesterday said errors had been made in the Omagh bomb investigation but insisted those behind the atrocity can still be caught.
But after meeting some of the relatives he said his response had yet to reassure them.
He said: "There were errors made but thankfully they're not errors that diminished our chance of success. There's still a real chance of success."
In her report into how the Omagh bomb investigation was conducted.
Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan had heavily criticised Special Branch officers for failing to pass on intelligence about a terrorist threat to officers in Omagh.
Her findings had angered victims' relatives, who had pinned their hopes for securing convictions on the police investigation.
The Chief Constable said he was "absolutely sorry" that the bombers had yet to be caught.
"In terms of the circle of victims who have been so directly affected by this atrocity I doubt if you would find anyone outside this circle who cares more about this than I do, or who has been affected more than I have.
"I have no difficulty saying from the bottom of my heart I am desperately sorry we have not yet brought to justice those who are responsible."
The Chief Constable also refused to accept that the bitter row which has blown up between Mrs O'Loan and himself had left their relationship irreparable.
"Mrs O'Loan and I are both professional people. Yes, there's an issue here, an issue which needs to be addressed, but we can ring-fence this."
Turning to how the furore would impact on his reputation, he insisted: "I'm not interested in those things.
"I can look them [the relatives] in the eye and say I did my very best.
"I will deeply regret if no one is brought to justice but I have confidence that will still happen."
NORTHERN Ireland Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan yesterday said errors had been made in the Omagh bomb investigation but insisted those behind the atrocity can still be caught.
But after meeting some of the relatives he said his response had yet to reassure them.
He said: "There were errors made but thankfully they're not errors that diminished our chance of success. There's still a real chance of success."
In her report into how the Omagh bomb investigation was conducted.
Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan had heavily criticised Special Branch officers for failing to pass on intelligence about a terrorist threat to officers in Omagh.
Her findings had angered victims' relatives, who had pinned their hopes for securing convictions on the police investigation.
The Chief Constable said he was "absolutely sorry" that the bombers had yet to be caught.
"In terms of the circle of victims who have been so directly affected by this atrocity I doubt if you would find anyone outside this circle who cares more about this than I do, or who has been affected more than I have.
"I have no difficulty saying from the bottom of my heart I am desperately sorry we have not yet brought to justice those who are responsible."
The Chief Constable also refused to accept that the bitter row which has blown up between Mrs O'Loan and himself had left their relationship irreparable.
"Mrs O'Loan and I are both professional people. Yes, there's an issue here, an issue which needs to be addressed, but we can ring-fence this."
Turning to how the furore would impact on his reputation, he insisted: "I'm not interested in those things.
"I can look them [the relatives] in the eye and say I did my very best.
"I will deeply regret if no one is brought to justice but I have confidence that will still happen."
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/420
Published Date: 25-Jan-02
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