IRISH AND BRITISH LEADERS MAKE APPEAL TO CATCH THE BOMBERS
Irish and British leaders make joint appeal for help to catch bombers
A JOINT appeal by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Prime Minister Tony Blair issued on the eve of the second anniversary of the Omagh bomb is hoped to bring fresh evidence to light.
Responding to pressure on both governments to bring the perpetrators to justice and to appeals by the families of the 29 victims killed in the atrocity Prime Minister Tony Blair said of the ongoing investigation:, "Despite intensive investigations on both sides of the border that has been a model of co-operation between the RUC and the Gardai, it remains a matter of regret that there have not yet been more charges.
"Justice demands that all those responsible for the horror that was Omagh are brought before the courts and to that end we call on anyone with fresh information about the atrocity to come forward.
"Both governments are resolute in their commitment to prevent those still bent on violence from pursuing their evil plans. That is what society, especially those who have suffered so grievously in Omagh and elsewhere, has a fundamental right to expect."
Both Prime Ministers expressed regret that more charges had not been brought against those responsible for the Omagh atrocity and said their thoughts and prayers were with those still struggling to cope with the legacy of the bomb.
Michael Gallagher, whose 21 year old son Adrian died in the blast stressed the importance of keeping the focus on the investigation and not letting it fade away in the distance like so many other atrocities that have hit Northern Ireland.
He said "It's especially important that the Taoiseach and Prime Minister remain committed because these people (the Real IRA) are still operating and continuing to carry out their evil intent in both Britain and Ireland."
Two years on, only one person faces charges relating to the bombing. The high profile appeal is believed may provide fresh leads in the investigation which appears to have come to a standstill.
A JOINT appeal by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Prime Minister Tony Blair issued on the eve of the second anniversary of the Omagh bomb is hoped to bring fresh evidence to light.
Responding to pressure on both governments to bring the perpetrators to justice and to appeals by the families of the 29 victims killed in the atrocity Prime Minister Tony Blair said of the ongoing investigation:, "Despite intensive investigations on both sides of the border that has been a model of co-operation between the RUC and the Gardai, it remains a matter of regret that there have not yet been more charges.
"Justice demands that all those responsible for the horror that was Omagh are brought before the courts and to that end we call on anyone with fresh information about the atrocity to come forward.
"Both governments are resolute in their commitment to prevent those still bent on violence from pursuing their evil plans. That is what society, especially those who have suffered so grievously in Omagh and elsewhere, has a fundamental right to expect."
Both Prime Ministers expressed regret that more charges had not been brought against those responsible for the Omagh atrocity and said their thoughts and prayers were with those still struggling to cope with the legacy of the bomb.
Michael Gallagher, whose 21 year old son Adrian died in the blast stressed the importance of keeping the focus on the investigation and not letting it fade away in the distance like so many other atrocities that have hit Northern Ireland.
He said "It's especially important that the Taoiseach and Prime Minister remain committed because these people (the Real IRA) are still operating and continuing to carry out their evil intent in both Britain and Ireland."
Two years on, only one person faces charges relating to the bombing. The high profile appeal is believed may provide fresh leads in the investigation which appears to have come to a standstill.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1406
Published Date: 17-Aug-00
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