OMAGH REVIEW ONLY HALF OF THE PICTURE - GALLAGHER
Omagh review 'only half of the picture' - Gallagher
by Emma Stewart
Michael Gallagher, whose son, Aidan, died in the Omagh bomb, has emphasised that Policing Board plans to review the investigation into the 1998 atrocity must not detract from the families' calls for a cross-border public inquiry.
Speaking in the wake of a Policing Board decision to appoint a panel of independent experts to review police processes throughout Mr Gallagher, chairman of the Omagh self-help group, said: "This is not the preferred way forward for the families.
There have been enough reviews and inquiries, and at this stage there should only be one, final, inquiry, not just looking at Northern Ireland, but also at the Irish Republic.
"The review instigated by the Policing Board is only going to look at one part, north of the border, and we feel that it is very important that the whole picture is looked at in-depth.
Noting that the bereaved families are due to meet with the Secretary of State later this month to push forward their case for a public inquiry, he emphasised that the Policing Board review is only 'half of the picture'.
However he added: "I do hope that if there are lessons to be learned from this review that they will be factored back into the criminal justice system, and that people will be treated better than we were."
Speaking as the review was announced, chairman of the Policing Board, Professor Sir Desmond Rea acknowledged the 'views of all those who have suffered and continue to suffer as the result of the Omagh bombing atrocity'.
He continued: "The Board acknowledged the particular views that have been expressed in relation to the Board's plans in respect of this review following the meeting with the Omagh families. The Board also acknowledged the views expressed by the families in relation to a cross-border public inquiry.
"The Board is responsible for holding the police to account and it agreed that this independent external review in the five key areas outlined is necessary to provide wider public assurance and confidence in respect of issues arising from the judgment."
by Emma Stewart
Michael Gallagher, whose son, Aidan, died in the Omagh bomb, has emphasised that Policing Board plans to review the investigation into the 1998 atrocity must not detract from the families' calls for a cross-border public inquiry.
Speaking in the wake of a Policing Board decision to appoint a panel of independent experts to review police processes throughout Mr Gallagher, chairman of the Omagh self-help group, said: "This is not the preferred way forward for the families.
There have been enough reviews and inquiries, and at this stage there should only be one, final, inquiry, not just looking at Northern Ireland, but also at the Irish Republic.
"The review instigated by the Policing Board is only going to look at one part, north of the border, and we feel that it is very important that the whole picture is looked at in-depth.
Noting that the bereaved families are due to meet with the Secretary of State later this month to push forward their case for a public inquiry, he emphasised that the Policing Board review is only 'half of the picture'.
However he added: "I do hope that if there are lessons to be learned from this review that they will be factored back into the criminal justice system, and that people will be treated better than we were."
Speaking as the review was announced, chairman of the Policing Board, Professor Sir Desmond Rea acknowledged the 'views of all those who have suffered and continue to suffer as the result of the Omagh bombing atrocity'.
He continued: "The Board acknowledged the particular views that have been expressed in relation to the Board's plans in respect of this review following the meeting with the Omagh families. The Board also acknowledged the views expressed by the families in relation to a cross-border public inquiry.
"The Board is responsible for holding the police to account and it agreed that this independent external review in the five key areas outlined is necessary to provide wider public assurance and confidence in respect of issues arising from the judgment."
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1916
Published Date: 14-Feb-08
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