Dissent Over Omagh Fire Tragedy Inquiry

There were divisions yesterday over the way forward for a possible inquiry into the McElhill/McGovern fire tragedy in Omagh.

The SDLP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tommy Gallagher has said he remains to be convinced that a public inquiry would be the best outcome.

He was speaking after the Assembly yesterday voted to call on the Health Minister to seek the agreement of NIO Secretary Shaun Woodward for a public inquiry.

Agreeing, Michael McGimpsey said he would write to the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister asking them to raise the matter with the NIO, but he said a review had already identified failings by the social services.

"In light of this I am therefore of the view that there are no substantive grounds arising from those areas for which I have responsibility for the holding of a public inquiry into this tragedy," the UUP Minister said.

Mr Gallagher, also speaking in the Assembly agreed and said: "The hurt and pain for the families continues, but I am not convinced of the need for a full public inquiry. Many would like to see the resources going into improving support for children and families.

"Since Omagh we had the shocking death of a little girl in Enniskillen. Now we have the report on Western Area childcare which highlighted growing incidents of child abuse across the area.

"More money is needed to make sure our children are safe, which includes being safe in their own homes.

"Those who work in social services with social services and family services need more resources. Without such resources, a public inquiry might merely serve to leave these staff unsupported and demoralised," he said.

Arthur McElhill set fire to the house, killing his partner Lorraine McGovern and their five children, (pictured) in November 2007.

McElhill, from Lammy Crescent, Omagh, burned the house down because his partner threatened to leave him, an inquest in December concluded.

On the opening day of the inquest, forensic investigators said that the fire had been started when someone who was inside the house set light to a mixture of petrol and white spirits which had been poured in the hall.

(BMcC/GK)