SIR RONNIE I'LL MEET OMAGH BOMB FAMILIES
SIR RONNIE: I'LL MEET OMAGH BOMB FAMILIES
By DERIC HENDERSON and DAN MCGINN
Relative warns of 'hostility'
CHIEF Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan will meet relatives of people killed in the Omagh bomb next month, his spokesman confirmed last night.
Talks will take place with the families when he delivers his response to the stinging criticism of the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan.
Her report claimed his flawed judgement had significantly reduced the chances of apprehending the Real IRA bombers.
Policing Board are also to meet next week for preliminary discussions over the unprecedented row between Sir Ronnie and Mrs O'Loan.
Sir Ronnie asked for the meeting with the relatives in a bid to allay concerns following the Ombudsman's report.
A source said: "He is preparing robust defence to her allegations and he intends to make sure the relatives hear it first."
Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan, 21, was among the 29 people killed in the August 1998 bomb said the sooner the meeting happened the better.
He added: "There was no animosity, there was no unpleasantness. But there is likely to be hostility.
"Sir Ronnie believes the Ombudsman has got it wrong and this is his opportunity to tell us where she got it wrong."
Relatives have already demanded a full public inquiry into the terrorist outrage.
And a team of outside officers, possibly from Merseyside, will be called in to help with a fresh inquiry.
The Ombudsman's office last night refused to make any comment on the developing controversy which has left people in Omagh stunned.
Meanwhile, some of the families are pressing ahead with legal action against the Real IRA but they need another �500,000 to cover legal costs.
Writs are expected to be served early next year with the first hearing in the summer.
By DERIC HENDERSON and DAN MCGINN
Relative warns of 'hostility'
CHIEF Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan will meet relatives of people killed in the Omagh bomb next month, his spokesman confirmed last night.
Talks will take place with the families when he delivers his response to the stinging criticism of the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan.
Her report claimed his flawed judgement had significantly reduced the chances of apprehending the Real IRA bombers.
Policing Board are also to meet next week for preliminary discussions over the unprecedented row between Sir Ronnie and Mrs O'Loan.
Sir Ronnie asked for the meeting with the relatives in a bid to allay concerns following the Ombudsman's report.
A source said: "He is preparing robust defence to her allegations and he intends to make sure the relatives hear it first."
Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan, 21, was among the 29 people killed in the August 1998 bomb said the sooner the meeting happened the better.
He added: "There was no animosity, there was no unpleasantness. But there is likely to be hostility.
"Sir Ronnie believes the Ombudsman has got it wrong and this is his opportunity to tell us where she got it wrong."
Relatives have already demanded a full public inquiry into the terrorist outrage.
And a team of outside officers, possibly from Merseyside, will be called in to help with a fresh inquiry.
The Ombudsman's office last night refused to make any comment on the developing controversy which has left people in Omagh stunned.
Meanwhile, some of the families are pressing ahead with legal action against the Real IRA but they need another �500,000 to cover legal costs.
Writs are expected to be served early next year with the first hearing in the summer.
Further Information
Publisher: THE MIRROR
Ref: TM/144
Published Date: 15-Dec-01
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