Independent Stardust inquiry appeals for information

ANYONE with information relating to the 1981 Stardust tragedy has been asked to make a submission to the newly established independent examination.

Ads calling on people to make written submissions appeared in national newspapers yesterday on behalf of senior counsel John Gallagher who is chairing the external examination.

Last night, Stardust Victims Committee spokeswoman Antoinette Keegan appealed to anyone with information relating to the fire which killed 48 young people to come forward.

“On December 18, it will be 21 years since my father died. He was the one who started this campaign for answers. Finally, he is getting justice for all he fought for,” said Ms Keegan.

Next week, committee representatives and their legal team are expected to meet with Mr Gallagher following the finalisation of the terms of reference last week.

After the closing date for submissions on December 14, it is expected consultant forensic pathologist Dr Derek Carson, fire expert Robert Knox, witnesses and bereaved families will be called to hearings.

The examination, which could last several months, will focus on the original 1981 tribunal report and a submission entitled Nothing but the Truth, which was compiled by the legal team representing bereaved families.

For 26 years, the families have disputed the original tribunal’s conclusion the fire was a case of “probable arson”.

Analysis from experts has argued the contents of a storeroom and highly flammable insulation material led to the rapid spread of the fire in the Artane ballroom.