Omagh families set to launch legal action against British Government

THE British Government is set to be brought back to court over its failure to launch a new investigation into the 1998 Omagh bombing, which claimed the lives of 31 people, including unborn twins.

Michael Gallagher, whose son Aiden was killed in the Market Street atrocity 24 years ago, said the move was being taken because there had been no contact from either the British or Irish governments since the High Court recommendation of a fresh examination into what happened.

Mr Gallagher said that they had written to both the Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis, and the Taoiseach, Michael Martin, to discuss a way forward.

But, while they did receive an acknowledgement, there was no indication of plans to launch the new investigation.

“If the Secretary of State and British Government are not in contact with us, then it is our intention to go back to court to acknowledge the fact that they have not acted on the judgement of Mr Justice Horner last year,” Mr Gallagher said.

“We met with the DUP last week, including West Tyrone MLA, Tom Buchanan requesting their support for an inquiry into the Omagh Bomb and that support has now been received following a meeting of their party Executive committee.

“To receive their support is a huge step forward and means that our campaign is now supported by all the main political parties here.”

Mr Gallagher accused the Government of ‘dragging their heels’ on the issue and that it was obvious that they are very reluctant to expose the truth in relation to what happened in the lead-up to the bomb.