Thirty years later, and counting
Although the Barron report on the bombings still leaves many questions unanswered, the issues which have been raised in it demonstrate the need for a full public inquiry.
The Taoiseach at the time, Mr Cosgrave, and the then Minister for Justice Mr Cooney, must take responsibility for the failure of the State to launch a full and thorough investigation into these horrific events and for neglecting to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
They have a moral responsibility to clear the air on this very grave matter. They owe it to those who died and to their families who have suffered for 30 years, and to the hundreds of innocent people who have carried the physical and emotional scars of this atrocity with them every day since.
These two men have an obligation to account for the failure of the government of the day to ensure that the bombings were properly investigated at the time.
It has been astounding that the members of that government, after almost 30 years of silence, have suddenly found their voices to rubbish the Barron report since its publication.
This seems to be largely because the report highlights the failure of that government to ensure a proper and proportionate inquiry into this tragedy.
This was the biggest mass murder in the history of the state. Thirty-four people lost their lives on that dreadful day in 1974 and a matter of particular concern, exposed by the Barron inquiry, is the disappearance of all the files relating to this atrocity.
It is inconceivable that the files relating to these events have vanished without trace. This in itself needs a full investigation.
It is extremely suspicious that these are the only files from that period which are missing.
It is also extraordinary that more politicians are not calling for an inquiry into the loss or theft of these files.
This is a very bad message to send out to that public that planning and financial scandals and political corruption are a more serious matter than loss of human life.
While all of the corruption in relation to payments to politicians is an outrage, it should not be given priority over the loss of human life.
In the event of a full public inquiry, British Prime Minister Tony Blair must ensure that the British authorities give their full co-operation.
Mr Blair has been very vocal about his commitment to the fight against terrorism. This was the single biggest terrorist atrocity in the history of the Troubles. If the British want the respect of the international community they must show they are willing to examine any possible involvement by their own authorities and that those responsible will be held accountable.
If Mr Blair is sincere, the fight against terrorism should start at his own door and his concern should extend to his nearest neighbours. He should not be afraid of exposing the truth regardless of how unpalatable it may be to the British or Irish establishments.
A large part of what makes the Dublin-Monaghan bombings so tragic is the fact that for 30 years it has been swept under the carpet and the victims and their families left to grieve and wonder alone.
There was no national day of mourning, no books of condolences, and no answers.
The first commemorative mass for the victims took place almost 16 years later and it was organised not by the state, but by two old-age pensioners.
Is this any way to treat our people and to show respect the dead?
Do the right thing: give those relatives and friends who have waited so long the answers they deserve, and let them finally put their dead to rest.
Patricia McKenna, MEP,
43, Molesworth Street,
Dublin 2.
