23/04/2025

DUP Leader Calls For Irish Govt Scrutiny In Omagh Bomb Inquiry

DUP Leader Gavin Robinson MP has used an evidence session at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee to press Baroness Nuala O'Loan for her assessment of the Irish Government's inaction regarding an Omagh Bomb Public Inquiry that would cover the actions of the southern government.

Mr. Robinson expressed his dissatisfaction with the current Memorandum of Understanding: "The Memorandum of Understanding falls short of what is required as there is no mechanism to scrutinise the action or inaction of the Republic's security services."

He highlighted Baroness O'Loan's support for further action by the Republic of Ireland, emphasising the victims' and their families' long-standing demand for "truth and accountability from all sides."

"The Irish Government must now confront its role in the events leading up to the Omagh bombing. This is not about blame, it's about responsibility and respect for those who lost their lives," Mr. Robinson asserted.

He further argued that any discussion of "truth and reconciliation" would lack credibility if only the UK Government were subject to scrutiny, particularly given that the bomb was "planned, prepared and transported from the South."

"If there were gaps, missed intelligence, or critical inaction, the Irish Government has a duty to be honest about that. The families of Omagh deserve nothing less than the full picture," Mr. Robinson concluded.


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