08/08/2003
Government gives financial backing to Omagh victims
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Paul Murphy has announced plans to provide £800,000 to the families of the Omagh bomb victims in their fight to bring those responsible to justice.
Only one person, Colm Murphy, has been convicted in connection to the Real IRA blast which killed 29 people in August 1998.
In a statement today, Mr Murphy said: "I have been working for many months with ministerial colleagues in the Department for Constitutional Affairs to try to find ways of helping the Omagh families with the funding of their legal case.
"While I recognise the legal constraints and complexities, I have always believed that this is an exceptional case and the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland and beyond want to see the families bring it to court.
"The magnificent scale of the financial donations from the public to date supports that view."
Today's announcement follows yesterday's sentencing of alleged Real IRA leader, Michael McKevitt who was jailed for 20 years for directing terrorism in the Irish Republic.
Mr McKevitt is one of the men who have been served writs by solicitors acting on behalf of the Omagh Victims' Civil Action Group who are seeking £10m in damages.
(MB)
Only one person, Colm Murphy, has been convicted in connection to the Real IRA blast which killed 29 people in August 1998.
In a statement today, Mr Murphy said: "I have been working for many months with ministerial colleagues in the Department for Constitutional Affairs to try to find ways of helping the Omagh families with the funding of their legal case.
"While I recognise the legal constraints and complexities, I have always believed that this is an exceptional case and the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland and beyond want to see the families bring it to court.
"The magnificent scale of the financial donations from the public to date supports that view."
Today's announcement follows yesterday's sentencing of alleged Real IRA leader, Michael McKevitt who was jailed for 20 years for directing terrorism in the Irish Republic.
Mr McKevitt is one of the men who have been served writs by solicitors acting on behalf of the Omagh Victims' Civil Action Group who are seeking £10m in damages.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 August 2003
Omagh victims should be granted legal aid, says Paisley
The DUP leader, Dr Ian Paisley, has called on the government to provide full legal aid to victims of the Omagh bombing to finance their civil action against those suspected of being responsible for the atrocity.
Omagh victims should be granted legal aid, says Paisley
The DUP leader, Dr Ian Paisley, has called on the government to provide full legal aid to victims of the Omagh bombing to finance their civil action against those suspected of being responsible for the atrocity.
15 August 2023
'Unconquerable Spirit' Is Lasting Legacy Of Omagh
Ministers have paid tribute to the families of Omagh bomb victims, as a commemoration service was held to mark the 25th anniversary. A total of 29 people were killed by the Real IRA bomb on August 15, 1998, the biggest single loss of life in the Troubles.
'Unconquerable Spirit' Is Lasting Legacy Of Omagh
Ministers have paid tribute to the families of Omagh bomb victims, as a commemoration service was held to mark the 25th anniversary. A total of 29 people were killed by the Real IRA bomb on August 15, 1998, the biggest single loss of life in the Troubles.
17 January 2013
Omagh Bomb Man Avoids Extradition
A man held liable for the Omagh bombing will not be extradited to Lithuania to face charges of weapons smuggling. A Belfast judge said Liam Campbell is likely to be held in inhuman and degrading conditions if extradited.
Omagh Bomb Man Avoids Extradition
A man held liable for the Omagh bombing will not be extradited to Lithuania to face charges of weapons smuggling. A Belfast judge said Liam Campbell is likely to be held in inhuman and degrading conditions if extradited.
23 November 2005
Man being questioned over Omagh bombing
A man is still being questioned by detectives in connection with the 1998 Omagh bombing in which 29 people died. The 34-year-old was arrested in the south Down area on Tuesday. It is the latest arrest by police in connection with the bomb attack.
Man being questioned over Omagh bombing
A man is still being questioned by detectives in connection with the 1998 Omagh bombing in which 29 people died. The 34-year-old was arrested in the south Down area on Tuesday. It is the latest arrest by police in connection with the bomb attack.
14 January 2013
Omagh Bomb: Retrial Begins
A civil retrial of two men being sued for their part in the 1998 Omagh bombing has begun. Colm Murphy, from Dundalk, and Seamus Daly, from County Monaghan, are currently defending legal action taken against them by relatives of some of the 29 people killed in the explosion.
Omagh Bomb: Retrial Begins
A civil retrial of two men being sued for their part in the 1998 Omagh bombing has begun. Colm Murphy, from Dundalk, and Seamus Daly, from County Monaghan, are currently defending legal action taken against them by relatives of some of the 29 people killed in the explosion.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.