This article appeared in the Surrey Mirror entitled " Westminster Matters"on 14th February 2002.
On 15 August 1998, 29 people and unborn twins were murdered in Omagh by the “ Real IRA”
Among those who died or were seriously injured were citizens of Ireland, the United Kingdom and Spain. They included Methodists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, members of the Church of Ireland and a Mormon. They were nationalists, republicans, unionists and the apolitical.
Since the bombing, the Real IRA has continued its reign of terror by planting a series of bombs on the British mainland. Mainly because of witness intimidation, it has been impossible for police to bring more than one criminal case- and that against a minor conspirator.
On Wednesday the families of the Omagh Bomb victims visited Parliamentarians. I had the privilege of spending over an hour with them. It was a moving experience. They are engaged in a great and ground breaking cause, for justice.
Several of the relatives of the bomb victims are pursuing a civil case against the Real IRA and five named individuals. This is because in civil cases the rules are less rigid than in criminal cases and they have to prove their case on a “balance of probabilities”. The relatives are not interested in money, but they want justice and they want to deter the Real IRA from murdering again.
If they win they will establish a precedent that will be of service to all of us. They will open another front in the battle against terrorism and will encourage other victims to achieve justice. It will send a practical and moral message to terrorists from their victims that will save many victims in the future.
If they lose they could be ruined. They would be liable for the defence costs and this will run into millions. To get going they need to raise £1 million by August to serve the writs they have now issued.
Through this column I am asking for your help for these brave people. Tax payers money can't be used for civil actions so it must come direct from people and some people have been afraid to support them.
Please support their noble cause. Send a cheque payable to “ Omagh Victims Legal Fund” to 21 Southwick Mews, London W2 1JG, for more information see www.omaghbomb.nav.to
