Menu
24/01/2002
PSNI Chief Constable hits back at Omagh critics
The Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan has presented his report to the families and the bereaved of the 1998 Real IRA Omagh bomb victims.
Sir Ronnie’s 28-page report was compiled in response to criticism levelled at him and police handling of the Omagh investigation by the Police Ombudsman, Nuala O’Loan early in December 2001.
The report - which is extremely factual in content - provides the PSNI’s detailed response to what they call “unfounded criticisms in the Ombudsman’s report and sets the record straight about what police did, and what they knew, before and after the explosion in Omagh on 15 August 1998.”
The families and relatives of the Omagh victims received the PSNI report early on Thursday January 24, which was followed by a four hour long question and answer session with the Chief Constable.
Relatives of the bombing have responded in varying degrees to the Chief Constable’s report, but most have said they needed time to reflect. However Lawrence Rushe, whose wife Libby was killed in the bomb, has stated that he is not happy and has calling for an independent inquiry. Michael Gallagher, whose son also died in the bomb, said that the relatives wanted further clarification from Sir Ronnie on several issues.
The Police Ombudsman has also responded to the PSNI report. Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Ms O’ Loan said she had received the report yesterday and that she had not yet studied the police document fully, but she affirmed that she still stood “very firmly behind what I said in the report.”
The Secretary of State Dr John Reid said he would be taking time to digest the report but that he hoped others would read it “without rushing to judgement or playing politics with it.” (AMcE)
Sir Ronnie’s 28-page report was compiled in response to criticism levelled at him and police handling of the Omagh investigation by the Police Ombudsman, Nuala O’Loan early in December 2001.
The report - which is extremely factual in content - provides the PSNI’s detailed response to what they call “unfounded criticisms in the Ombudsman’s report and sets the record straight about what police did, and what they knew, before and after the explosion in Omagh on 15 August 1998.”
The families and relatives of the Omagh victims received the PSNI report early on Thursday January 24, which was followed by a four hour long question and answer session with the Chief Constable.
Relatives of the bombing have responded in varying degrees to the Chief Constable’s report, but most have said they needed time to reflect. However Lawrence Rushe, whose wife Libby was killed in the bomb, has stated that he is not happy and has calling for an independent inquiry. Michael Gallagher, whose son also died in the bomb, said that the relatives wanted further clarification from Sir Ronnie on several issues.
The Police Ombudsman has also responded to the PSNI report. Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Ms O’ Loan said she had received the report yesterday and that she had not yet studied the police document fully, but she affirmed that she still stood “very firmly behind what I said in the report.”
The Secretary of State Dr John Reid said he would be taking time to digest the report but that he hoped others would read it “without rushing to judgement or playing politics with it.” (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
12 December 2001
Ombudsman’s Omagh report criticises police leadership
Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan has published a report criticising the way in which the Royal Ulster Constabulary headed up the investigation into the Omagh bomb of 15 August 1998 which killed 29 people and two unborn children.
Ombudsman’s Omagh report criticises police leadership
Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan has published a report criticising the way in which the Royal Ulster Constabulary headed up the investigation into the Omagh bomb of 15 August 1998 which killed 29 people and two unborn children.
07 February 2002
Policing Board locked in talks over Omagh investigation
The Northern Ireland Policing Board remained locked in talks for much of Thursday as they discussed the future direction the Omagh bomb investigation should take. The Board, which is made up of individuals from both sides of the political divide met on Thursday, February 7, in an attempt to hammer out a compromise at Clarendon Dock.
Policing Board locked in talks over Omagh investigation
The Northern Ireland Policing Board remained locked in talks for much of Thursday as they discussed the future direction the Omagh bomb investigation should take. The Board, which is made up of individuals from both sides of the political divide met on Thursday, February 7, in an attempt to hammer out a compromise at Clarendon Dock.
08 October 2014
Police Cancel Appeal For Missing Omagh Man
Police have said they believe missing Omagh man, Shane Sharkey, has been found in the Republic of Ireland. A police appeal for help in finding the 35-year-old has been cancelled, with police saying they now believe they know where he is. No further details have been released but police thanked the public for their help.
Police Cancel Appeal For Missing Omagh Man
Police have said they believe missing Omagh man, Shane Sharkey, has been found in the Republic of Ireland. A police appeal for help in finding the 35-year-old has been cancelled, with police saying they now believe they know where he is. No further details have been released but police thanked the public for their help.
20 December 2001
Sinn Féin to discuss Omagh report with Police Ombudsman
Sinn Féin MP for West Tyrone Pat Doherty is to meet with the Police Ombudsman on Friday. The meeting with Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan has been called in order to discuss the findings of her report in which she criticised the RUC handling of the investigation into the 1998 Real IRA bombing.
Sinn Féin to discuss Omagh report with Police Ombudsman
Sinn Féin MP for West Tyrone Pat Doherty is to meet with the Police Ombudsman on Friday. The meeting with Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan has been called in order to discuss the findings of her report in which she criticised the RUC handling of the investigation into the 1998 Real IRA bombing.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
