PM SUPPORT FOR FORMER CHIEF CONSTABLE
PM support for former Chief Constable
by Emma Stewart
Despite public criticism of RUC/PSNI processes throughout the Omagh bomb investigation, Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has expressed support for Sir Ronnie Flanagan, Chief Constable at the time of the 1998 atrocity.
Speaking at his monthly Downing Street press conference, Mr Brown defended Sir Ronnie, who is now head of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.
"I worked with Sir Ronnie Flanagan on many occasions, he is conducting a review of policing in this country.
"He is doing an excellent job. He published an interim report which is very helpful to the process of police reform and I have got no reason to change my judgement and I'm not going to change my judgement on that."
Having come under fire from relatives of those killed in the 1998 atrocity, police performance throughout the investigation has been defended by current chief constable, Sir Hugh Orde, who maintains that the work of detectives was impeded by mistakes made in initial investigations following the August attack.
The damning Omagh bomb verdict, delivered by Mr Justice Weir in December, identified a number of serious and disturbing flaws in the police investigation, and accused two former RUC officers of "deliberate and calculated deception".
However, as one of the officers in question continues to work as a chief inspector, and the other as a constable with the PSNI, bereaved families have demanded answers over a trial some have deemed a 'farce'.
South-Armagh electrician, Sean Hoey, was cleared of 58 charges, including the murders of 29 people in the 1998 Real IRA attack.
The Policing Board has since pledged an independent review of all investigations into the Omagh bombing.
by Emma Stewart
Despite public criticism of RUC/PSNI processes throughout the Omagh bomb investigation, Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has expressed support for Sir Ronnie Flanagan, Chief Constable at the time of the 1998 atrocity.
Speaking at his monthly Downing Street press conference, Mr Brown defended Sir Ronnie, who is now head of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.
"I worked with Sir Ronnie Flanagan on many occasions, he is conducting a review of policing in this country.
"He is doing an excellent job. He published an interim report which is very helpful to the process of police reform and I have got no reason to change my judgement and I'm not going to change my judgement on that."
Having come under fire from relatives of those killed in the 1998 atrocity, police performance throughout the investigation has been defended by current chief constable, Sir Hugh Orde, who maintains that the work of detectives was impeded by mistakes made in initial investigations following the August attack.
The damning Omagh bomb verdict, delivered by Mr Justice Weir in December, identified a number of serious and disturbing flaws in the police investigation, and accused two former RUC officers of "deliberate and calculated deception".
However, as one of the officers in question continues to work as a chief inspector, and the other as a constable with the PSNI, bereaved families have demanded answers over a trial some have deemed a 'farce'.
South-Armagh electrician, Sean Hoey, was cleared of 58 charges, including the murders of 29 people in the 1998 Real IRA attack.
The Policing Board has since pledged an independent review of all investigations into the Omagh bombing.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1908
Published Date: 10-Jan-08
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