BOMB FUND TRIBUTES BY OMAGH DAD
Bomb fund tributes by Omagh dad
'Ordinary people empower us'
THE father of a 21-year-old victim of the Omagh bomb yesterday paid tribute to members of the public who contributed to a fund which could pave the way for a landmark legal action against those allegedly behind the atrocity.
Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was killed by the Real IRA car bomb which devastated the Tyrone town in 1998, welcomed confirmation that writs could soon be served on five people suspected of having planned and carried out the attack. The action has been taken by some of the relatives of the 29 people and two unborn twins killed in the atrocity.
Mr Gallagher said, in the absence of any prosecutions of the bombers, families were relieved that they were now able to reach a point where some legal action could be taken.
"It has been a long, hard campaign over the last 18 months and- this at least gives us some hope," he said.
"A lot of good people swung in behind our campaign to raise the money we need to mount a civil action including prominent people like Peter Mandelson, Sir Bob Geldof, Barry McGuigan and Eddie Irvine.
"But the vast majority of the money raised has come from ordinary people across Britain and Ireland.
"They have empowered the families to do what we are doing and we are thankful."
Mr Gallagher said if the civil action were to succeed, it would be "a powerful tool" for many victims of terrorist violence - not just in Northern Ireland but around the world.
He confirmed there had been interest in the civil action from lawyers in Israel, Spain and the US.
The civil action could be a "high point" for the Omagh families after what had been a difficult four years, Mr Gallagher said.
"We are coming up to the fourth anniversary of the bomb and the families have had to endure a lot of pressure and a very public grief," he said.
"We have all had to deal with the failure to prosecute anyone ... the difficulties with the flawed police investigation and the fallout between the Ombudsman's office and the then Chief Constable.
"This for us will be one of those times of better news over the past four years."
Solicitors informed those relatives taking action yesterday that it could go ahead just days before the deadline for serving writs expired.
The Omagh Victims Legal Trust is still appealing for funds to help meet the full legal costs.
After writs are served on those accused of the bombing, a court hearing in Belfast will follow which will enable lawyers acting for the families to produce evidence which they believe connects the suspects to the atrocity.
Former Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson yesterday said: "Bringing these members of the Real IRA into court to face up to the responsibility for their actions will help heal a deep wound, as well as putting further pressure on individuals whose overriding aim is to wreck the peace process in Northern Ireland."
'Ordinary people empower us'
THE father of a 21-year-old victim of the Omagh bomb yesterday paid tribute to members of the public who contributed to a fund which could pave the way for a landmark legal action against those allegedly behind the atrocity.
Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was killed by the Real IRA car bomb which devastated the Tyrone town in 1998, welcomed confirmation that writs could soon be served on five people suspected of having planned and carried out the attack. The action has been taken by some of the relatives of the 29 people and two unborn twins killed in the atrocity.
Mr Gallagher said, in the absence of any prosecutions of the bombers, families were relieved that they were now able to reach a point where some legal action could be taken.
"It has been a long, hard campaign over the last 18 months and- this at least gives us some hope," he said.
"A lot of good people swung in behind our campaign to raise the money we need to mount a civil action including prominent people like Peter Mandelson, Sir Bob Geldof, Barry McGuigan and Eddie Irvine.
"But the vast majority of the money raised has come from ordinary people across Britain and Ireland.
"They have empowered the families to do what we are doing and we are thankful."
Mr Gallagher said if the civil action were to succeed, it would be "a powerful tool" for many victims of terrorist violence - not just in Northern Ireland but around the world.
He confirmed there had been interest in the civil action from lawyers in Israel, Spain and the US.
The civil action could be a "high point" for the Omagh families after what had been a difficult four years, Mr Gallagher said.
"We are coming up to the fourth anniversary of the bomb and the families have had to endure a lot of pressure and a very public grief," he said.
"We have all had to deal with the failure to prosecute anyone ... the difficulties with the flawed police investigation and the fallout between the Ombudsman's office and the then Chief Constable.
"This for us will be one of those times of better news over the past four years."
Solicitors informed those relatives taking action yesterday that it could go ahead just days before the deadline for serving writs expired.
The Omagh Victims Legal Trust is still appealing for funds to help meet the full legal costs.
After writs are served on those accused of the bombing, a court hearing in Belfast will follow which will enable lawyers acting for the families to produce evidence which they believe connects the suspects to the atrocity.
Former Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson yesterday said: "Bringing these members of the Real IRA into court to face up to the responsibility for their actions will help heal a deep wound, as well as putting further pressure on individuals whose overriding aim is to wreck the peace process in Northern Ireland."
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/436
Published Date: 26-Jul-02
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