EXAMINE YOUR CONSCIENCES
Examine your consciences
By David Killen
AS OMAGH prepares to mark the fourth anniversary of the bomb atrocity that claimed 31 lives, including unborn twins, the detective in charge of the investigation has called on anyone who may have assisted the perpetrators to 'examine their consciences' and pass on their information.
This week Detective Superintendent Norman Baxter said he shared the frustration of relatives with the lack of progress.
"Four years after the explosion that killed men, women and children, it must be very distressing ' to know that the murderers are still walking free.
"I intend to do everything in my power to bring them before the courts, or at least be in a position to assure the relatives and victims that a complete and thorough investigation has been carried out within the criminal justice framework," he said
Supt. Baxter added that the investigation team was working closely with the Merseyside officers drafted in to 'quality assure' the process.
He said the team was following a number of lines of enquiry, but said those must remain confidential at the moment.
"The key to solving this crime is information. The Omagh bombers would have relied on a network of supporters to provide transport, acquire equipment, provide safe houses and wash clothes to destroy evidence. Those people should examine their consciences.
"Someone out there must have the information that will help the police bring to justice the perpetrators of one of the worst atrocities committed in Northern Ireland.
"Community representatives should demonstrate public and moral responsibility and support the investigation by calling on anyone who has information to come forward either to the PSNI or the Garda Siochana. The police cannot resolve this enquiry without the full support of the entire community."
Service
The fourth anniversary of the atrocity will be marked at a special service in the town today (Thursday).
The service will be held at lpm at the Memorial Garden at Drumragh Avenue. It is being organised by the Omagh Churches' Forum, the Sperrin Lakeland Trust and Omagh District Council.
Relatives of some of the 29 people and unborn twins who died on August 15 1998 are expected to gather for the service.
Rev Kevin Mullan, one of the organisers, said this week that the service would comprise readings, songs and prayers.
Representatives of the four main churches in the town are expected to take part.
The service will include a poem in Spanish and a song in Irish, denoting the fact that people from Buncrana and Spain were among those killed and injured.
Fr Mullan said a wreath would be laid on behalf of all the people of the area, while some families might want to present their own floral tributes.
He said that the organisers were conscious that relatives of those who died took differing attitudes towards the anniversary. Some would want to mark it in their own quiet and private way.
The aim of the memorial service was to show love and support for the families, as well as remembering those who had died, he added.
The organisers were conscious, he said, of the sensitivities of those who had suffered loss and the desire of others in the community to move on.
By David Killen
AS OMAGH prepares to mark the fourth anniversary of the bomb atrocity that claimed 31 lives, including unborn twins, the detective in charge of the investigation has called on anyone who may have assisted the perpetrators to 'examine their consciences' and pass on their information.
This week Detective Superintendent Norman Baxter said he shared the frustration of relatives with the lack of progress.
"Four years after the explosion that killed men, women and children, it must be very distressing ' to know that the murderers are still walking free.
"I intend to do everything in my power to bring them before the courts, or at least be in a position to assure the relatives and victims that a complete and thorough investigation has been carried out within the criminal justice framework," he said
Supt. Baxter added that the investigation team was working closely with the Merseyside officers drafted in to 'quality assure' the process.
He said the team was following a number of lines of enquiry, but said those must remain confidential at the moment.
"The key to solving this crime is information. The Omagh bombers would have relied on a network of supporters to provide transport, acquire equipment, provide safe houses and wash clothes to destroy evidence. Those people should examine their consciences.
"Someone out there must have the information that will help the police bring to justice the perpetrators of one of the worst atrocities committed in Northern Ireland.
"Community representatives should demonstrate public and moral responsibility and support the investigation by calling on anyone who has information to come forward either to the PSNI or the Garda Siochana. The police cannot resolve this enquiry without the full support of the entire community."
Service
The fourth anniversary of the atrocity will be marked at a special service in the town today (Thursday).
The service will be held at lpm at the Memorial Garden at Drumragh Avenue. It is being organised by the Omagh Churches' Forum, the Sperrin Lakeland Trust and Omagh District Council.
Relatives of some of the 29 people and unborn twins who died on August 15 1998 are expected to gather for the service.
Rev Kevin Mullan, one of the organisers, said this week that the service would comprise readings, songs and prayers.
Representatives of the four main churches in the town are expected to take part.
The service will include a poem in Spanish and a song in Irish, denoting the fact that people from Buncrana and Spain were among those killed and injured.
Fr Mullan said a wreath would be laid on behalf of all the people of the area, while some families might want to present their own floral tributes.
He said that the organisers were conscious that relatives of those who died took differing attitudes towards the anniversary. Some would want to mark it in their own quiet and private way.
The aim of the memorial service was to show love and support for the families, as well as remembering those who had died, he added.
The organisers were conscious, he said, of the sensitivities of those who had suffered loss and the desire of others in the community to move on.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1071
Published Date: 15-Aug-02
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