IRISH GOVERNMENT HAS BROKEN OMAGH PROMISES - GALLAGHER
Irish Government has broken Omagh 'promises' - Gallagher
by Emma Stewart
IN an RTE programme broadcast on Tuesday, Omagh bomb campaigner, Michael Gallagher, struck out at the lack of assistance given by the Irish government to the families' pursuit of justice.
Joining other relatives bereaved by the 1998 atrocity, Mr Gallagher has condemned the ineffectual offers of support issued by the Dublin administration, and criticised their subsequent inactivity.
In this week's broadcast, accusations of betrayal were levied against Bertie Ahern and his government, as the families prepare to face a civil action, in the wake of a recent failed criminal prosecution.
The documentary, entitled 'Letter of the Law', voiced relatives claims that the Irish government has turned its back on them ahead of the civil action they are taking against five men - those whom they believe were responsible for the Omagh atrocity.
The families' hopes of a criminal prosecution were dashed last December when Sean Hoey, the only man accused of the 29 murder perpetrated on August 15, 1998, was cleared of all charges.
Some families now believe that their forthcoming civil action is the only remaining chance for justice, and indeed contend that crucial evidence is being withheld by the Gardai.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's broadcast, Mr Gallagher stressed that he was just one contributor to the programme, but that he hoped his concerns would be heard.
"The programme highlights, yet again, how the Omagh families have been let down, how promises that were made have not been kept.
"We are just weeks away from our civil action being brought to court, and the Irish Government hasn't lived up to its promise of giving us the transcripts requested from the trials of Michael McKevitt and Colm Murphy".
He continued: "They haven't even finalised arrangements for allowing Gardai to give evidence on commission in Dublin.
"Yet again the families are losing out, and it appears that the victimisers have been favoured over the victims."
by Emma Stewart
IN an RTE programme broadcast on Tuesday, Omagh bomb campaigner, Michael Gallagher, struck out at the lack of assistance given by the Irish government to the families' pursuit of justice.
Joining other relatives bereaved by the 1998 atrocity, Mr Gallagher has condemned the ineffectual offers of support issued by the Dublin administration, and criticised their subsequent inactivity.
In this week's broadcast, accusations of betrayal were levied against Bertie Ahern and his government, as the families prepare to face a civil action, in the wake of a recent failed criminal prosecution.
The documentary, entitled 'Letter of the Law', voiced relatives claims that the Irish government has turned its back on them ahead of the civil action they are taking against five men - those whom they believe were responsible for the Omagh atrocity.
The families' hopes of a criminal prosecution were dashed last December when Sean Hoey, the only man accused of the 29 murder perpetrated on August 15, 1998, was cleared of all charges.
Some families now believe that their forthcoming civil action is the only remaining chance for justice, and indeed contend that crucial evidence is being withheld by the Gardai.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's broadcast, Mr Gallagher stressed that he was just one contributor to the programme, but that he hoped his concerns would be heard.
"The programme highlights, yet again, how the Omagh families have been let down, how promises that were made have not been kept.
"We are just weeks away from our civil action being brought to court, and the Irish Government hasn't lived up to its promise of giving us the transcripts requested from the trials of Michael McKevitt and Colm Murphy".
He continued: "They haven't even finalised arrangements for allowing Gardai to give evidence on commission in Dublin.
"Yet again the families are losing out, and it appears that the victimisers have been favoured over the victims."
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1931
Published Date: 27-Mar-08
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