Taoiseach sympathises with Omagh families

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has expressed his sympathies to the families of the victims of the 1998 Omagh bombing, who are today marking the fifth anniversary of the attack.

Mr Ahern said he was very conscious of the pain and suffering endured by the relatives of the victims and said the Government was committed to pursuing the perpetrators of the atrocity.

29 people and two unborn babies died in the bombing of the small Co Tyrone town on August 15, 1998.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Michael McDowell has agreed to meet representatives of the Omagh support and self-help group.

The meeting is expected to take place next month.