OMAGH REPORT STANDS AS CHALLENGE FALLS
Omagh report stands as challenge falls
BY ADRIAN MULLAN
THE status of the Police Ombudsman's inquiry into the circumstances leading up to, and the investigation following the Omagh bombing received a huge boost at the close of last week when the Police Association dropped a legal challenge to it.
The Police Association agreed to withdraw the case providing Mrs O'Loan agreed on a compromise on a few minor matters of protocol for example, it was agreed that the officers criticised should have been given more time to respond.
However, the substance of the report, which exposed the fact that RUC Special Branch did not warn local police about an impending attack, now stands unchallenged.
Lawrence Rush, whose wife Libby was one of the 31 lives lost in the blast welcomed the Police Association's withdrawal. He commented, "I am delighted that the report stands."
Mr Rush who is taking a civil case against both the Secretary of State and the Chief Constable for failing to protect his wife said, "We have something to be pleased about. We will be proceeding now with no holds barred, there will be no wrangling about the Ombudsman's report, it comes out of this unscathed." Mr Rush said that his QC had been studying documents for a number of months now and that he intended to proceed as soon as possible.
Speaking after the Police Association withdrew its case to have the report quashed, the Police Ombudsman commented "I am pleased that the judicial review has been withdrawn."
"It is very important that people understand that the report stands," said Mrs O'Loan.
"I had been very concerned about the effect of this dispute on the Omagh families it has been a difficult year for them, but they can now be assured about the content and conclusions of my report.
"They can also take comfort from the fact that all of the recommendations of my report have been implemented and that the current investigation into the Omagh bombing is being fully resourced and properly managed. Hopefully this will go towards catching the Omagh bombers which is what we want after all."
The Police Association's case got into Court but was settled in the corridors of the court house.
"The police Association wanted to soften the report but the lady was not for turning", commented Mr Rush.
"The Police Ombudsman's report has been accepted. The report was for the victims."
Ex-Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan who had been expected to give evidence to the Judicial review did not make an appearance.
BY ADRIAN MULLAN
THE status of the Police Ombudsman's inquiry into the circumstances leading up to, and the investigation following the Omagh bombing received a huge boost at the close of last week when the Police Association dropped a legal challenge to it.
The Police Association agreed to withdraw the case providing Mrs O'Loan agreed on a compromise on a few minor matters of protocol for example, it was agreed that the officers criticised should have been given more time to respond.
However, the substance of the report, which exposed the fact that RUC Special Branch did not warn local police about an impending attack, now stands unchallenged.
Lawrence Rush, whose wife Libby was one of the 31 lives lost in the blast welcomed the Police Association's withdrawal. He commented, "I am delighted that the report stands."
Mr Rush who is taking a civil case against both the Secretary of State and the Chief Constable for failing to protect his wife said, "We have something to be pleased about. We will be proceeding now with no holds barred, there will be no wrangling about the Ombudsman's report, it comes out of this unscathed." Mr Rush said that his QC had been studying documents for a number of months now and that he intended to proceed as soon as possible.
Speaking after the Police Association withdrew its case to have the report quashed, the Police Ombudsman commented "I am pleased that the judicial review has been withdrawn."
"It is very important that people understand that the report stands," said Mrs O'Loan.
"I had been very concerned about the effect of this dispute on the Omagh families it has been a difficult year for them, but they can now be assured about the content and conclusions of my report.
"They can also take comfort from the fact that all of the recommendations of my report have been implemented and that the current investigation into the Omagh bombing is being fully resourced and properly managed. Hopefully this will go towards catching the Omagh bombers which is what we want after all."
The Police Association's case got into Court but was settled in the corridors of the court house.
"The police Association wanted to soften the report but the lady was not for turning", commented Mr Rush.
"The Police Ombudsman's report has been accepted. The report was for the victims."
Ex-Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan who had been expected to give evidence to the Judicial review did not make an appearance.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1536
Published Date: 30-Jan-03
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