OMAGH KILLERS NOT IN REPUBLIC
Omagh killers not in Republic
by Evelyn Ring
THE Omagh murderers don't live in the Republic, Justice Minister John O'Donoghue declared yesterday.
At a press conference in Government Buildings the Minister said he had information that the perpetrators were not in the Irish jurisdiction.
The rooting out of dissident terrorist, groups required a joint effort by the British and Irish Governments, he declared.
The Real IRA, on Tuesday, declared,that they were the perpetrators of the worst single atrocity in the 30 years of the North's troubles. Later, in a separate statement the RIRA said they were "suspending" military action.
Minister O'Donoghue, who yesterday introduced the most draconian legislation since the foundation of the State said the new, tough laws would be effective in tackling dissident terror groups.
But, he said, while the Government had opted for new laws to deal with terrorism, the question of internment remained a "very live" option and had not been ruled out.
"Whatever it takes to take perpetrators of offences such as this off the streets of this country will be implemented by this Government," he said.
The new draconian laws include shifting the burden of proof on terrorist suspects to show they were not involved in illegal activity. "They will be effective and will work," the minister declared.
Mr O'Donoghue said the new legislation would allow inferences to be drawn from the failure of a person to answer relevant questions.
It would allow gardai to secure convictions by corroborating other evidence, including the opinion of a Chief Superintendent that a person was a member of an unlawful organisation.
The Dail and Seanad are being recalled in two weeks time so that the legislation can be passed by both Houses in the shortest possible time.
"The measures should be successful in tackling terrorist elements in this country. They were regrettable but necessary", said the minister, who pointed out that Irish anti-terrorist legislation was already among the toughest in the free world.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Andrews, said the Omagh bombing showed there was no alternative to the peace process.
The Good Friday Agreement would, he said, become a monument to the 28 people who were injured or murdered in the bombing in Omagh and those who had been killed or suffered in the North over the past 30 years.
Courtesy of Irish Examiner
by Evelyn Ring
THE Omagh murderers don't live in the Republic, Justice Minister John O'Donoghue declared yesterday.
At a press conference in Government Buildings the Minister said he had information that the perpetrators were not in the Irish jurisdiction.
The rooting out of dissident terrorist, groups required a joint effort by the British and Irish Governments, he declared.
The Real IRA, on Tuesday, declared,that they were the perpetrators of the worst single atrocity in the 30 years of the North's troubles. Later, in a separate statement the RIRA said they were "suspending" military action.
Minister O'Donoghue, who yesterday introduced the most draconian legislation since the foundation of the State said the new, tough laws would be effective in tackling dissident terror groups.
But, he said, while the Government had opted for new laws to deal with terrorism, the question of internment remained a "very live" option and had not been ruled out.
"Whatever it takes to take perpetrators of offences such as this off the streets of this country will be implemented by this Government," he said.
The new draconian laws include shifting the burden of proof on terrorist suspects to show they were not involved in illegal activity. "They will be effective and will work," the minister declared.
Mr O'Donoghue said the new legislation would allow inferences to be drawn from the failure of a person to answer relevant questions.
It would allow gardai to secure convictions by corroborating other evidence, including the opinion of a Chief Superintendent that a person was a member of an unlawful organisation.
The Dail and Seanad are being recalled in two weeks time so that the legislation can be passed by both Houses in the shortest possible time.
"The measures should be successful in tackling terrorist elements in this country. They were regrettable but necessary", said the minister, who pointed out that Irish anti-terrorist legislation was already among the toughest in the free world.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Andrews, said the Omagh bombing showed there was no alternative to the peace process.
The Good Friday Agreement would, he said, become a monument to the 28 people who were injured or murdered in the bombing in Omagh and those who had been killed or suffered in the North over the past 30 years.
Courtesy of Irish Examiner
Further Information
Publisher: THE EXAMINER
Ref: TEX/098
Published Date: 20-Aug-98
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