New allegations about the aftermath and investigation of the
Omagh bomb serve to strengthen the need for a realistic and practical inquiry
according to local SLDP MLA Joe Byrne.
“It is 15 years since Omagh was devastated by a vicious Real
IRA bomb. It traumatised not only those who were directly affected, but their
families and loved ones.
“A week ago the families, led by Michael Gallagher revealed
that vital intelligence was not shared that could have helped to avert the
tragedy.
“A former senior police officer has alleged that Downing
Street was warned by Sinn Féin that arresting suspects in south Armagh would
destabilise the ceasefire. He further
alleged that Downing Street then made the decision not to release intelligence
that could lead to arrests.”
“On the 15th anniversary of the bomb, this must be very
distressing news for the families and all of those affected.
“The victims of the Omagh atrocity need and deserve the truth
about what happened and information about the gathering and sharing of
intelligence material is vital. These new revelations make the case made by the
Omagh families for an inquiry even more compelling.
“This inquiry should form part of dealing with the issue of
the past which has been souring political process.
“It is important not only for the families but to ensure
that a similar tragedy can never happen again.”
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