POLICE HAVE THROWN IN THE TOWEL ON OMAGH INQUIRY
Police have 'thrown in the towel' on Omagh inquiry - victims group
BY ADRIAN MULLAN
THE PSNI has moved to try to reassure relatives of those killed in the Omagh bombing that the investigation is still on-going and vigorous.
The move follows the retirement of Superintendent Norman Baxter, who had been heading the investigation team since 2002. Baxter's last day on the investigation was on Thursday past. He was replaced by Detective Chief Superintendent Derek Williams.
The PSNI would not go into any details as to what specific experience the new man has for the job other than stating that he is a 'very highly experienced senior detective.'
Mr Baxter met with two members of the Omagh families in private last week to advise them of his retirement. He later refused to discuss his retirement, other than to say "It was very personal."
Michael Gallagher, who leads the Omagh Support and Self Help Group, said that the retirement severed the final link between the police and Omagh.
Mr Gallagher said he has written a letter to Mr Baxter outlining his disappointment at the police investigation. He and others who were bereaved in the atrocity have been calling for a cross border public inquiry into the Omagh blast - but neither government has shown any willingness to accede to that request.
On the tenth anniversary of the tragedy last August, Taoiseach, Brian Cowan, visiting Omagh, effectively ruled out any such move.
"This marks the end of the road for Omagh as far as the police are concerned - they have thrown in the towel. Omagh has been consigned to the archives," said Mr Gallagher.
BY ADRIAN MULLAN
THE PSNI has moved to try to reassure relatives of those killed in the Omagh bombing that the investigation is still on-going and vigorous.
The move follows the retirement of Superintendent Norman Baxter, who had been heading the investigation team since 2002. Baxter's last day on the investigation was on Thursday past. He was replaced by Detective Chief Superintendent Derek Williams.
The PSNI would not go into any details as to what specific experience the new man has for the job other than stating that he is a 'very highly experienced senior detective.'
Mr Baxter met with two members of the Omagh families in private last week to advise them of his retirement. He later refused to discuss his retirement, other than to say "It was very personal."
Michael Gallagher, who leads the Omagh Support and Self Help Group, said that the retirement severed the final link between the police and Omagh.
Mr Gallagher said he has written a letter to Mr Baxter outlining his disappointment at the police investigation. He and others who were bereaved in the atrocity have been calling for a cross border public inquiry into the Omagh blast - but neither government has shown any willingness to accede to that request.
On the tenth anniversary of the tragedy last August, Taoiseach, Brian Cowan, visiting Omagh, effectively ruled out any such move.
"This marks the end of the road for Omagh as far as the police are concerned - they have thrown in the towel. Omagh has been consigned to the archives," said Mr Gallagher.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE HERALD
Ref: TYH/081
Published Date: 24-Nov-08
Related Images
