PUBLIC ENQUIRY INTO OMAGH BOMB NOW A STEP CLOSER
Public inquiry into Omagh bomb now a step closer
BY RYAN McALEER
r. mcaleer@ulsterherald. com
FAMILY members who lost loved ones in the Omagh bomb believe a cross-border public inquiry has taken a step closer after they handed over a new report into the 1998 atrocity to the Secretary of State Owen Paterson on Monday.
The report, commissioned by the families, examines issues surrounding intelligence gathering leading up to the bomb and on August 15,1998 itself. The document also exposes failures in subsequent investigations on both sides of the border.
Michael Gallagher, who lost his son Aidan in the bomb, said the report will create difficulties for both governments.
"It goes without saying that there will be significant issues around intelligence before and after the bomb and these will create difficulties for both Governments. But they are not difficulties which are in-surmountable, we can work through those difficulties," he said.
"We left the Secretary of State in no doubt that if he rejects the calls for public enquiry after having studying this report, we will be going for a judicial review.
"In fact the document has been written in such a fashion that with very little work we can take it to review."
Speaking yesterday (Wednesday) after meeting with officials from the Irish Government in Dublin, Mr Gallagher said the families now hope to meet Taoiseach Enda Kenny "in the very near future" to present him with the report and deliver a briefing on its contents.
One of the major obstacles standing in the way of a major cross-border public inquiry is seen as the lack of precedent. However the families have pointed to the recent Smithwick Tribunal, 2005 legislation concerning the recovery of the remains of the 'disappeared' as well as the families' own civil action as proof that such a course could work.
"We expressed today in Dublin that as far as cross-border legislation is concerned, we feel it should work," said Mr Gallagher.
"If it means making new law then let us be at the fore-front of that. We feel the British and Irish Governments should put their shoulder to the wheel and create whatever legislation is needed so that we can have that cross-border inquiry."
The Omagh man said the report highlights "a number of very sensitive and serious issues that will be of concern to both governments".
However stating that he does see a degree of movement by both bodies, he said, "We hope they will take that on board and work with the families and help set up the foundations for a public inquiry that will work. We are continuing to make our case very strongly and we will be meeting shortly with the Justice Minister and Chief Constable to give them a joint briefing on the issues addressed in the report.
"What we have had to deal with in the past 14 years has been difficult and I think we can handle whatever comes out in a public inquiry," he added.
BY RYAN McALEER
r. mcaleer@ulsterherald. com
FAMILY members who lost loved ones in the Omagh bomb believe a cross-border public inquiry has taken a step closer after they handed over a new report into the 1998 atrocity to the Secretary of State Owen Paterson on Monday.
The report, commissioned by the families, examines issues surrounding intelligence gathering leading up to the bomb and on August 15,1998 itself. The document also exposes failures in subsequent investigations on both sides of the border.
Michael Gallagher, who lost his son Aidan in the bomb, said the report will create difficulties for both governments.
"It goes without saying that there will be significant issues around intelligence before and after the bomb and these will create difficulties for both Governments. But they are not difficulties which are in-surmountable, we can work through those difficulties," he said.
"We left the Secretary of State in no doubt that if he rejects the calls for public enquiry after having studying this report, we will be going for a judicial review.
"In fact the document has been written in such a fashion that with very little work we can take it to review."
Speaking yesterday (Wednesday) after meeting with officials from the Irish Government in Dublin, Mr Gallagher said the families now hope to meet Taoiseach Enda Kenny "in the very near future" to present him with the report and deliver a briefing on its contents.
One of the major obstacles standing in the way of a major cross-border public inquiry is seen as the lack of precedent. However the families have pointed to the recent Smithwick Tribunal, 2005 legislation concerning the recovery of the remains of the 'disappeared' as well as the families' own civil action as proof that such a course could work.
"We expressed today in Dublin that as far as cross-border legislation is concerned, we feel it should work," said Mr Gallagher.
"If it means making new law then let us be at the fore-front of that. We feel the British and Irish Governments should put their shoulder to the wheel and create whatever legislation is needed so that we can have that cross-border inquiry."
The Omagh man said the report highlights "a number of very sensitive and serious issues that will be of concern to both governments".
However stating that he does see a degree of movement by both bodies, he said, "We hope they will take that on board and work with the families and help set up the foundations for a public inquiry that will work. We are continuing to make our case very strongly and we will be meeting shortly with the Justice Minister and Chief Constable to give them a joint briefing on the issues addressed in the report.
"What we have had to deal with in the past 14 years has been difficult and I think we can handle whatever comes out in a public inquiry," he added.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/2046
Published Date: 21-Jun-12
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