Kenny says Omagh relatives treated poorly

The Government has treated the relatives of those killed in the Omagh bombing very poorly, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny claimed today.

Deputy Kenny was speaking ahead of a meeting in Belfast with family members of those killed in the 1998 Real IRA bomb attack.

He said he was anxious to see what his party could do to help their case in the South.

Deputy Kenny, who was also due to meet Northern Ireland’s politicians following the collapse last week of the latest peace process deal, said: “I have never had the opportunity to meet Omagh relatives before.

“My party has raised in the Dáil several issues relating to Omagh including recently the revelations that the Taoiseach had concealed the true level of contact between his Government and the Real IRA.

“I am aware of the concerns that the families have about the probe into allegations that the Gardaí had information before the bomb attack.

“I have to say that I feel that they have been badly treated by the Irish government and I’m anxious to hear what they think we could do in Fine Gael to help.”

The Omagh bomb in August 1998 was Northern Ireland’s biggest atrocity, killing 29 people including the mother of unborn twins.

Relatives had launched a civil action against those who they believe are responsible.

So far only one person has been convicted for playing a part in the attack.

Deputy Kenny arrived in Belfast last night with his justice spokesman John Deasy, the party’s Senate leader Senator Brian Hayes and Jim O’Keefe, the vice chairman of the British Irish Parliamentary Body.

As the delegation prepared to also meet Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan and members of Northern Ireland’s Policing Board, he said he wanted to recognise the strides that had been made in police reform north of the border.

“I’ve had discussions with the SDLP which have majored on the work that is being done by the Policing Board,” Mr Kenny told PA News.

“In our meeting with Sinn Fein I will encourage them to confirm they are joining the Policing Board.”