AHERN PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR OMAGH CIVIL ACTION
Ahern pledges support for Omagh civil action
The families of those killed in the 1998 Omagh bomb tragedy have continued their quest for justice by seeking assurances from Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, that he will guarantee full cross-border co-operation for their ongoing civil action.
Relatives of those murdered in the atrocity are pursuing a civil case against Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt, and four others, in the wake of the high profile collapse of last year's criminal action against an Armagh man.
Having written to Mr Ahern, the members of Omagh Support and Self Help Group were pleased to receive a positive response.
Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan died in the August 15 atrocity, said: "I received a letter on Monday from Bertie Ahern himself. He said they will offer all the assistance possible to the civil action.
Unfortunately this is language we've heard too many times before, and been let down. The delivery is now more important than the words.
"We will be continuing to put pressure on the Irish Government, as it would be a great tragedy if our civil action was to fail through them dragging their feet."
The families are seeking witness statements gathered throughout the garda investigation, as well as expert opinion evidence on the history, methods, structure and objectives of the Real IRA. Furthermore they have sought agreement on obtaining direct evidence from certain gardai, as well as court transcripts relating to previous criminal trials of the men in question.
The families of those killed in the 1998 Omagh bomb tragedy have continued their quest for justice by seeking assurances from Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, that he will guarantee full cross-border co-operation for their ongoing civil action.
Relatives of those murdered in the atrocity are pursuing a civil case against Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt, and four others, in the wake of the high profile collapse of last year's criminal action against an Armagh man.
Having written to Mr Ahern, the members of Omagh Support and Self Help Group were pleased to receive a positive response.
Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan died in the August 15 atrocity, said: "I received a letter on Monday from Bertie Ahern himself. He said they will offer all the assistance possible to the civil action.
Unfortunately this is language we've heard too many times before, and been let down. The delivery is now more important than the words.
"We will be continuing to put pressure on the Irish Government, as it would be a great tragedy if our civil action was to fail through them dragging their feet."
The families are seeking witness statements gathered throughout the garda investigation, as well as expert opinion evidence on the history, methods, structure and objectives of the Real IRA. Furthermore they have sought agreement on obtaining direct evidence from certain gardai, as well as court transcripts relating to previous criminal trials of the men in question.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1921
Published Date: 06-Mar-08
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