FATHER OF BOMB VICTIM IN NEW APPEAL FOR INFORMATION
Father of bomb victim in new appeal for information
IN A week when Omagh was again thrown into fear by a number of bomb scares, the father of one of the young boys from Buncrana killed in the August 1998 bombing, has appealed that more effort be put into the manhunt for the bombers.
Mr Victor Barker, father of James, who was 12-years-old at the time of the atrocity, called for a new public appeal to aid the RUC and Garda in their cross-border investigation.
Mr Barker was joined by Mr Michael Gallagher, chairman of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group, and father of Aidan who died in the bomb, in the appeal for new information.
Mr Barker called on all political parties, especially Sinn Fein, to back this new appeal and has met with both the British and Irish Prime Ministers in a bid to further the investigation.
"It is quite clear to me, after some one and a half years since August 15, 1998, that the police investigation is not making any serious progress, and stand no chance of doing so," said Mr Barker.
He is reported to have said that while the Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern was very enthusiastic about his views, the reaction from Tony Blair was less encouraging, and called for the killers to be hunted "day and night"
Mr Barker presented Mr Blair with an album he has made recording the bombing an its aftermath, including a picture of his son being taken away from the scene.
He feels that the killers would remain at large unless the public came forward with more information.
Mr Barker said the politicians were shying away from the investigation because they are afraid it may create problems in the current delicate political situation.
"It's soul-destroying to see no progress," commented Mr Gallagher.
The RUC has said they would back any renewed appeal for public information that would lead to the capture of the perpetrators of the Omagh bomb.
Det Chief Supt Eric Anderson, who is heading up the investigation, has been working closely with Assistant Garda Commissioner Kevin Carty and Scotland Yard in the bid to track down the killers but have on the large been unsuccessful.
He believes that progress can not be made until someone involved comes forward. Police now know how the car bomb was devised and detonated but need more substantial evidence on the perpetrators to ensure they do not walk free on a technicality.
Seventeen months on from the single worst atrocity in the history of the troubles only one man, Colm Murphy, from south Armagh has been charged with conspiring to cause an explosion and is due in court later this month.
Over 4,000 people have been questioned and police believe that up to 60 people were involved in either planning or carrying out the attack.
IN A week when Omagh was again thrown into fear by a number of bomb scares, the father of one of the young boys from Buncrana killed in the August 1998 bombing, has appealed that more effort be put into the manhunt for the bombers.
Mr Victor Barker, father of James, who was 12-years-old at the time of the atrocity, called for a new public appeal to aid the RUC and Garda in their cross-border investigation.
Mr Barker was joined by Mr Michael Gallagher, chairman of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group, and father of Aidan who died in the bomb, in the appeal for new information.
Mr Barker called on all political parties, especially Sinn Fein, to back this new appeal and has met with both the British and Irish Prime Ministers in a bid to further the investigation.
"It is quite clear to me, after some one and a half years since August 15, 1998, that the police investigation is not making any serious progress, and stand no chance of doing so," said Mr Barker.
He is reported to have said that while the Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern was very enthusiastic about his views, the reaction from Tony Blair was less encouraging, and called for the killers to be hunted "day and night"
Mr Barker presented Mr Blair with an album he has made recording the bombing an its aftermath, including a picture of his son being taken away from the scene.
He feels that the killers would remain at large unless the public came forward with more information.
Mr Barker said the politicians were shying away from the investigation because they are afraid it may create problems in the current delicate political situation.
"It's soul-destroying to see no progress," commented Mr Gallagher.
The RUC has said they would back any renewed appeal for public information that would lead to the capture of the perpetrators of the Omagh bomb.
Det Chief Supt Eric Anderson, who is heading up the investigation, has been working closely with Assistant Garda Commissioner Kevin Carty and Scotland Yard in the bid to track down the killers but have on the large been unsuccessful.
He believes that progress can not be made until someone involved comes forward. Police now know how the car bomb was devised and detonated but need more substantial evidence on the perpetrators to ensure they do not walk free on a technicality.
Seventeen months on from the single worst atrocity in the history of the troubles only one man, Colm Murphy, from south Armagh has been charged with conspiring to cause an explosion and is due in court later this month.
Over 4,000 people have been questioned and police believe that up to 60 people were involved in either planning or carrying out the attack.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1431
Published Date: 17-Feb-00
Related Images
