Warning over Real IRA 'upsurge'

Strengthening dissident republican terrorists could unleash another Omagh-style bomb atrocity unless the British government intervenes urgently, it was claimed today.

A dismayed father of one of those killed in the Real IRA massacre has sent a scathing letter to Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain expressing alarm at the upsurge in activity by the outlawed organisation.

Michael Gallagher issued his warning days before south Armagh electrician Sean Hoey is due to go on trial in Belfast accused of murdering 29 people in the August 1998 no-warning strike.

The campaigner claimed the British government should be held to account for allowing the rogue unit to recruit and develop unchecked.

His fears have been heightened by a fire bombing blitz which ripped through shops in Newry, Co Down earlier this month, inflicting millions of pounds worth of damage.

A similar attack destroyed two tyre depots in Dungannon, Co Tyrone.

Belfast to Dublin rail services have also been disrupted by a series of bomb alerts bomb alerts.

To compound the Omagh families’ fears, a meeting to forge an alliance of dissident republican factions which was to have been held in Toomebridge, Co Derry this week was cancelled at the last minute – allegedly after the Provisional IRA stepped in.

Mr Gallagher, whose son Aiden was among those killed in the blast, said: “There has been a degree of co-ordination and expertise that allowed these latest attacks to happen.

“If that’s not checked these people will go on to be even more effective and it seems there’s nobody that is capable of disrupting these activities.

“We are heading towards a situation where they are becoming as proficient as the Provisional IRA were at their height.

“If they are allowed to continue it’s only a matter of time until we have more town centre car bombs.

“That brings us closer to the position of another Omagh.”

In his letter to the Secretary of State he detailed the Omagh Victims Group concerns at the increase in terrorist activity by the Real IRA and other organisations.

Mr Gallagher told him: “Sadly both (the British and Irish) governments failed the families after the Omagh bomb by not bringing to justice those responsible and putting this terrorist group out of business.

“We have no difficulty with any group organising politically. Unfortunately, anti-government violence and terrorism has been rewarded in this country.”

The Northern Ireland Office confirmed Mr Gallagher’s letter had been received.

“The Secretary of State will respond in due course,” a spokesman said.

“Both governments and law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border are committed to tackling terrorism.

“Those who carry out terrorist acts will be pursued with vigour and we would urge anyone with any relevant information to bring it to the attention of the appropriate authorities.”