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Bomb families need 'major boost' in funds for planned civil action

RELATIVES of some of those who died in the Omagh bombing are facing a race against time to raise funds for the legal action they hope to take against those they believe were behind the atrocity.
The relatives are taking civil legal action against a number of men they believe were involved in the Real IRA attack.
But the deadline for filing papers is August this year there is a three year deadline and they need to raise £2 million.
So far only about £500,000 has been gathered together, and now the relatives say they need a major boost to increase funding.
They say that a major sporting event would help their efforts, or indeed a commitment of support from a leading figure in the entertainment world.
Mr. Victor Barker, whose son, James, was one of the 31 who died, said he feared that some people did not want to get involved in what they saw as a Northern Ireland issue.
"My message to them is that it could happen to you tomorrow. It could happen anywhere in the United Kingdom, it is very important that we stand up against these people," he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan, died, said there were people in the business and entertainment worlds who were in a position to raise the profile of the fund.
A number of prominent figures have already been approached, including former US President Bill Clinton.
Mr. Gallagher said that while there were only six-and-a half months in which to raise the money, he remained hopeful.
"We need a strong final push for donations and if we had the right people on board to endorse and support the campaign, it could make make a real difference," he said.
The families are confident of their case but need to raise the £2 million as a contingency to cover their legal costs and those of the defence should they lose their case.
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And Mr. Barker has called on Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams to encourage his supporters to give evidence to the Garda.
He said many in republican circles had vital information that could lead to prosecutions.