Omagh families want NI ombudsman to investigate

Claims that gardaí failed to act on warnings before the Omagh bombing must be investigated by the Northern Ireland police ombudsman, relatives of victims said today.

Families of those killed in the Real IRA attack urging the British and Irish authorities to call in ombudsman Nuala O’Loan’s office.

Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was among the 29 killed in the outrage, said: “We know her remit is only for Northern Ireland, but the governments could make special arrangements at the flick of a switch.”

The findings of an independent investigation into the claims in Ireland have yet to be published.

But relatives insisted they have no faith in the inquiry team, led by senior civil servant Dermot Nally, claiming its members do not have the proper skills.

It is understood that Omagh families suggested Mrs O’Loan’s team of investigators be brought in during talks with Justice Minister Michael McDowell in Dublin yesterday.

Mr McDowell is believed to have rejected the plan, but Mr Gallagher insisted the ombudsman’s scathing report on the Royal Ulster Constabulary’s investigation into the bombing proved she has the necessary experience.

In a damning assessment of the hunt for the bombers, Mrs O’Loan discovered RUC Special Branch were told of terrorist plans to strike but failed to alert officers on the ground in Omagh.

Former chief constable Ronnie Flanagan also came in for withering criticism, with the ombudsman concluding that the RUC investigation was hampered by flawed leadership.

No one has ever been convicted of carrying out the Omagh bombing.

The Department of Justice has insisted Mr McDowell will make a statement on the Nally report once the Dáil resumes later this month.

A spokeswoman said: “The Minister has already informed the families that he has full confidence in the integrity, independence and competence of the three-person group.

“Therefore the question of bringing in somebody from the outside to investigate the allegations does not arise.”