UH/0834

Relatives launch landmark civil case against alleged
JOHN McCUSKER

RELATIVES of victims of the Omagh atrocity have launched an unprecedented legal action against five men with alleged links to the organisation responsible for the bombing.
Civil writs for compensation were issued at the High Court in Belfast on Friday as an initial step in the process. It is the first time a civil action has being sought after an act of terrorism.
Speaking at the official launch the case in Omagh town centre on Saturday afternoon, Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Adrian was among those who died, said families felt they had been left with no choice but to take the civil case.
"Our families are not capable of fighting for themselves, but they deserve justice and it's our responsibility to make sure it's delivered," he said.
The writs have been issued against the so called Real IRA and five men. They are:
• Seamus McKenna, Moylinn, Sliverbridge, Newry.
• John Michael Henry McKevitt, Beach Park, Blackrock, Dundalk, Co Louth.
• Liam Campbell, Mount Pleasant, Dundalk.
• Michael Colm Murphy, Ravensdale, Dundalk.
• Seamus Daly, of Culloville, near Castleblaney, Co Monaghan.
A number of the families affected are attempting to raise £1 million to cover the costs of the legal action.
No one has yet been charged with any of the murders, but a man accused of plotting to cause an explosion is to stand trial in Dublin later this year.
The legal team will include Lord Brennan QC who will head a team of barristers instructed by London solicitor firm H20.
Speaking after Saturday's launch H2O solicitor Jason McCue would not comment on the amount the families would be seeking. However, he believed they had a strong legal case.
He added "The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the bomb. This action is about making it accountable.
"We believe the proper place for this matter to be considered is through the judicial process. We are going to do our talking in court."
Michael Gallagher said he believed the families would succeed in their actions.
He told the Herald: "We have put our faith in our legal team and know they would not take this course of action if they believed there was not a very good chance of succeeding.
"We are the only people who can ensure that those responsible for the deaths of our husbands, wives, mothers, fathers and children are brought to justice."
Lawrence Rushe, husband of Libby who died in the tragedy, said the case would give those accused the chance to answer the victims' questions in court.
"Today's action is about justice, not about politics or religion and certainly not about money. "By issuing the legal writ, we have given the defendants an opportunity to answer our questions in a court of law," Mr Rushe added.
Prior to Saturday's launch Irish songwriter Pete St John composer of the celebrated Fields of Athenry travelled to Omagh with singer Lorraine O'Reilly who performed his composition dedicated to the tragedy.
Proceeds from the CD, entitled Song for Omagh, will be donated in aid of the civil law case.
Donations to cover costs of the civil case can be made at the Bank of Ireland, Campsie, Omagh, sort code 90-50-02, account number 30790971 or at any branch of the Bank of Ireland. Donations can also be made through the credit card line 0870-9072000 or by cheque to Omagh Victims' Legal Action Trust, 58 Wendover Court, Chiltern Street, London WlU 7NU.