Govt 'may take UK to court over Dublin/Monaghan bombs'

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has threatened to take a case against the British authorities before the European courts in connection with the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.

Thirty-three people died when loyalist paramilitaries detonated three car bombs in Dublin and a fourth in Monaghan on May 17, 1974.

There have long been allegations that the British security forces helped the loyalists behind the attacks.

An inquiry established by the Government has criticised the British for failing to hand over documents and files relating to the bombings.

Speaking in Dublin today, Mr Ahern said he planned to raise the matter one more time with new Northern Secretary Peter Hain and, if he made no progress, the Government would consider taking a case to the European Court of Human Rights.