OMAGH FAMILIES' FURY IRA SUSPECT FREED FOR SON'S CONFIRMATION
Omagh families fury as Real IRA suspect freed for son's confirmation dinner
FURY and outrage were just two of the words used to describe the feelings of relatives of those killed in the Omagh bombing, after learning that an alleged Real IRA member was released from jail to attend his son's confirmation dinner.
It is understood that Liam Campbell, on remand at Portlaoise jail awaiting retrial on a charge of membership of the dissident group, was released for 48 hours to attend the event, held at the Ballymascanlon Hotel just south of the border.
Campbell is currently seeking legal aid to contest a civil action being taken against him by families of the victims of the attack.
He has entered two defences, one denying responsibility for the blast, another saying that the Real IRA was not involved in the 1998 atrocity which claimed 29 lives.
Omagh Victims' Group chairman, Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old son Aidan, in the blast, said the decision to release Campbell was an "affront to justice" of the people who have suffered and lost loved ones in terrorist acts.
He added that he would be raising the matter with both Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell and Secretary of State Paul Murphy.
"How a Government can say they are fighting terrorism and allow those who are part of it to be allowed out in what can only be described as family reunions, is something I want answers to from both governments.
"It is very sad to say that not one person has been charged in six years for the Omagh atrocity, but it is even sadder to see those on charges of terrorism being given an open door to walk in or out of society whenever suits.
"This isn't how the Prime Minister Tony Blair or President Bush are dealing with terrorism in other parts of the world.
"For somebody so allegedly high up in the organisation to be released to behave as they see fit is ridiculous," he said.
"If a relative is sick or has died, then I could understand," said Mr. Gallagher.
"But for this man, allegedly connected with the worst massacre in the history of the Troubles to be allowed out for a couple of days for a family celebration is an insult.
"I am just lost for words.
"This cannot be justified and I cannot believe that a man facing these sorts of charges is being treated like a minor criminal.
"Paul Murphy cannot say that this is an issue beyond his control.
"He should act within his capacity to take an interest in the people associated with this organisation and assume responsibility for how they continue to affect us.
"There were 11 children killed at Omagh and their parents would have loved to have had time with them but they can't.
"Why should a man connected to such serious charges enjoy that privilege?", asked Mr. Gallagher.
FURY and outrage were just two of the words used to describe the feelings of relatives of those killed in the Omagh bombing, after learning that an alleged Real IRA member was released from jail to attend his son's confirmation dinner.
It is understood that Liam Campbell, on remand at Portlaoise jail awaiting retrial on a charge of membership of the dissident group, was released for 48 hours to attend the event, held at the Ballymascanlon Hotel just south of the border.
Campbell is currently seeking legal aid to contest a civil action being taken against him by families of the victims of the attack.
He has entered two defences, one denying responsibility for the blast, another saying that the Real IRA was not involved in the 1998 atrocity which claimed 29 lives.
Omagh Victims' Group chairman, Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old son Aidan, in the blast, said the decision to release Campbell was an "affront to justice" of the people who have suffered and lost loved ones in terrorist acts.
He added that he would be raising the matter with both Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell and Secretary of State Paul Murphy.
"How a Government can say they are fighting terrorism and allow those who are part of it to be allowed out in what can only be described as family reunions, is something I want answers to from both governments.
"It is very sad to say that not one person has been charged in six years for the Omagh atrocity, but it is even sadder to see those on charges of terrorism being given an open door to walk in or out of society whenever suits.
"This isn't how the Prime Minister Tony Blair or President Bush are dealing with terrorism in other parts of the world.
"For somebody so allegedly high up in the organisation to be released to behave as they see fit is ridiculous," he said.
"If a relative is sick or has died, then I could understand," said Mr. Gallagher.
"But for this man, allegedly connected with the worst massacre in the history of the Troubles to be allowed out for a couple of days for a family celebration is an insult.
"I am just lost for words.
"This cannot be justified and I cannot believe that a man facing these sorts of charges is being treated like a minor criminal.
"Paul Murphy cannot say that this is an issue beyond his control.
"He should act within his capacity to take an interest in the people associated with this organisation and assume responsibility for how they continue to affect us.
"There were 11 children killed at Omagh and their parents would have loved to have had time with them but they can't.
"Why should a man connected to such serious charges enjoy that privilege?", asked Mr. Gallagher.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1694
Published Date: 06-May-04
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