Large rally supports those claiming State negligence

ORGANISERS of a public meeting called by families and individuals who claim to be the victims of State corruption or negligence expect up to 1,000 people to attend.

Frank McBrearty Jnr, one of the driving forces behind the meeting, claims he is receiving calls everyday from people around the country who claim they are the victims of negligence and corruption. Some claim it was carried out by members of the gardaí.

A group of people gathered last weekend at the Co Donegal nightclub owned by Mr McBrearty's father Frank Senior. Nearly two dozen families were represented.

Following that meeting, it was decided to hold a public gathering in early September. Leading political figures, including MEP Jim Higgins, TDs Finian McGrath, Jerry Crowley and Joe Costello, and Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty have all agreed to speak at the meeting.

The North's police ombudsman Nuala O'Loan has been invited but is on holiday and has not yet accepted. Senator Maurice Hayes, appointed to oversee the implementation of the Garda Act, has also been asked to attend.

Despite the heavy political presence, Mr McBrearty Jnr insisted: "This is not a political issue this is a fight for justice for innocent people who do not have the money to stand up to the State."

Mr McBrearty is taking a High Court action against the State over his false imprisonment following the hit-and-run killing of Richie Barron in 1996.

However, he his family and associates have not been represented by counsel at the Morris Tribunal as the State has refused to guarantee costs.

Those who were at the meeting on Saturday are calling for changes to the proposed ombudsman commission. Many complaints will still be investigated by gardaí or seconded members of the force, said Mr McBrearty.

"We want a single ombudsman with the powers available to Nuala O'Loan," he said.

Senator Hayes has said a three-person commission, rather than a single ombudsman, may not work effectively while he described as "nonsense" investigators having to inform the garda commissioner before they search a garda station.

Senior members of the force, at superintendent level, have expressed concern that little will change from the present complaints board and that most complaints other than the most serious will still be investigated in-house.

Those who attended the meeting last Saturday include a number of people who lost loved ones in traffic accidents, which they believe were not properly investigated. Another who attended was a man jailed for explosives offences, who claims he is the victim of a miscarriage of justice.