Bus bomb victims' families seek answers from police

The families of those killed in the early 1970s Dublin bombings today sought information from the Northern Ireland police service to finally complete the inquests.

Cormac O’Dulachain, barrister for the families of the three bus workers killed, said the relatives were anxious the inquests proceed as planned next February.

He said: “They were appalled that the official investigation from Judge Barron did not get co-operation.”

The inquest was adjourned on several occasions for the publishing of the report from Judge Henry Barron into the two bombings in 1972 and 1973 which killed Scottish bus conductor Thomas Douglas, George Bradshaw and Thomas Duffy.

Judge Barron found there was a “striking” lack of assistance form London on these bombings, compared to the help given over the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan explosions.

The court heard that 80 witness were called for next year’s inquest but only 38 would be giving evidence.

A senior garda said: “All but four were contacted, 38 available to attend and quite a few are now deceased.”

Mr O’Dulachain asked permission to view garda files in relation to the Sackville Place bombings.

He was told the Garda Commissioner would be formally contacted but there should be no problem with the request.

But Mr O’Dulachain said that any information requested from the British Government had not been furnished for the inquest.

He told the court there should have been information from independent police investigations in Northern Ireland in relation to the bombings on December 1, 1972 in Sackville Place and Liberty Hall, and the second bombing on January 20, 1973.

He also requested information on the “theft of three hired vehicles and one private vehicle”, which were believed to be involved in the bombings.

The barrister, who also represents the campaign group Justice for the Forgotten, requested that some particular witnesses attend.

“There are three witnesses identified, one an unnamed official of the Department of Foreign Affairs who conducted an interview in a British prison with a person who had information in relation to the bombing,” he said.

He also looked for the attendance of two journalists – Joe Tiernan and Kevin Myers – who conducted interviews which unearthed information in relation to the bombings.

“All three witnesses when together their evidence comes together to form a sequence,” he said.

Dublin City Coroner, Dr Brian Farrell, said: “I will write to the PSNI and ascertain what information is available in relation to these matters.”

He added: “I will seek all the evidence and communication that I can get.”

Dr Farrell said certain organisations “may or may not be involved” and he would have to read that section of the Barron report.

He said that he would decide which witnesses would be called as the inquests proceeded.

The inquests into the three deaths will proceed next February.