18/07/2012

Omagh Families Ramp Up Cross-Border Inquiry Bid

Relatives of the Omagh bombing victims are stepping up their demands for a cross-border inquiry into the 1998 atrocity.

They are to meet Irish Justice Minister Alan Shatter and hand over an independent report of a review of all the investigations and court cases held into the bomb, which claimed the lives of 29 people.

Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aiden was killed, is leading the delegation to the Dail.

He said: "All the information available to us has been analysed and as a result of that we are alarmed at the conclusions drawn by the authors."

One of the report's authors, Martin Bridger, will accompany the delegation to meet Mr Shatter.

Mr Bridger is a former head of investigations at the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman's Office.

It is understood the report is critical of intelligence agencies, RUC/PSNI and Garda officers.

Mr Gallagher said there were "difficult and sensitive issues" for both the British and Irish governments to deal with in the report.

Families of the victims are also seeking a joint meeting with PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott and Justice Minister David Ford.

No-one has ever been convicted of the murders in the bombing, which was claimed by the Real IRA.

(NE)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

26 October 2016
Irish Foreign Affairs Minister To Travel To Newry To Discuss Brexit
Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan is to travel to Newry today to attend a series of meetings to discuss the implications of Brexit. The meetings, with business leaders and communities in Northern Ireland, will involve discussing the Government's approach to the challenges ahead.
10 August 2017
Relatives Of Omagh Bombing Victims To Sue PSNI Chief
Relatives of the 1998 Omagh bombing victims are to sue the Chief Constable of the PSNI over failings in the police investigation. Next week marks the 19th anniversary since the Real IRA attack, which claimed the lives of 29 people.
27 February 2006
Minister to receive Garda report on Dublin riot
An initial Garda report into the sectarian riot in Dublin on Saturday is expected to be made to Irish Minister for Justice Michael McDowell later today. Irish police made 42 arrests following the street violence that broke out on Saturday as Ulster loyalists staged a Love Ulster rally and republicans staged a counter protest march.
09 April 2003
Real IRA gang sentenced to 100 years in jail
Five men have been jailed for a total of 100 years for planning and subsequently launching a Real IRA bombing campaign in England.
22 July 2002
Man charged with causing mainland explosions
A 19-year-old man has been charged with plotting to cause explosions following an investigation into a suspected Real IRA bombing campaign. John Paul Gerard Hannan was been remanded in custody after appearing at the Old Bailey today. He is charged with plotting to cause an explosion and possessing weapons.