OMAGH INVESTIGATION INACTIVE
Omagh investigation 'Inactive'
BY RONAN McSHERRY
THERE never was the will in the North or Republic to find the persons responsible for killing 31 people, including unborn twins, in the bombing of Omagh on August 15, 1998, according to Michael Gallagher.
The Chairman of Omagh Support and Self Help Group was reacting to a statement from PSNI Detective Chief Superintendent Derek Williamson to the effect that the investigation into the atrocity is 'inactive.'
He also admitted mistakes were made in the wake of the Omagh bombing. However, he said the investigation could be reopened if new evidence was to emerge. "It will always be regrettable that we haven't made people amenable. We try to do the best we can. If new evidence comes to light then yes, we would investigate them. Never say never."
Sean Hoey from south Armagh, the only man to be charged with murder of the victims of the Omagh bomb, was acquitted following a multi-million pound court case.
Mr Gallagher said "It is unbelievable that ten years after the event, nobody on either side of the border has been held to account. We now live in a country were it is acceptable to murder 31 people and get away with it."
The families of the Omagh victims have also challenged the Prime Minister to publish a report of a review of intelligence material surrounding the bombing. It is understood that due to the sensitive nature of the content, the report will not be published.
The review was ordered by Gordon Brown last September after it was claimed GCHQ was monitoring Real IRA phone conversations as the bombers drove the device into the town on the day of the bombing.
The report was completed and handed to Mr Brown before Christmas. It was anticipated there would be a government comment, on it in the next couple of weeks.
However the families of the Omagh victims say that is not good enough.
Michael Gallagher said, "If it is not published the families will not be reassured that everything possible that could have been done to stop the bombing, or to catch the bombers, was done.
"Why would the Government want to hide the facts from us?"
BY RONAN McSHERRY
THERE never was the will in the North or Republic to find the persons responsible for killing 31 people, including unborn twins, in the bombing of Omagh on August 15, 1998, according to Michael Gallagher.
The Chairman of Omagh Support and Self Help Group was reacting to a statement from PSNI Detective Chief Superintendent Derek Williamson to the effect that the investigation into the atrocity is 'inactive.'
He also admitted mistakes were made in the wake of the Omagh bombing. However, he said the investigation could be reopened if new evidence was to emerge. "It will always be regrettable that we haven't made people amenable. We try to do the best we can. If new evidence comes to light then yes, we would investigate them. Never say never."
Sean Hoey from south Armagh, the only man to be charged with murder of the victims of the Omagh bomb, was acquitted following a multi-million pound court case.
Mr Gallagher said "It is unbelievable that ten years after the event, nobody on either side of the border has been held to account. We now live in a country were it is acceptable to murder 31 people and get away with it."
The families of the Omagh victims have also challenged the Prime Minister to publish a report of a review of intelligence material surrounding the bombing. It is understood that due to the sensitive nature of the content, the report will not be published.
The review was ordered by Gordon Brown last September after it was claimed GCHQ was monitoring Real IRA phone conversations as the bombers drove the device into the town on the day of the bombing.
The report was completed and handed to Mr Brown before Christmas. It was anticipated there would be a government comment, on it in the next couple of weeks.
However the families of the Omagh victims say that is not good enough.
Michael Gallagher said, "If it is not published the families will not be reassured that everything possible that could have been done to stop the bombing, or to catch the bombers, was done.
"Why would the Government want to hide the facts from us?"
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE HERALD
Ref: TYH/082
Published Date: 19-Jan-09
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