(by Gary Kent, The Source)

Gary Kent reports on a ground breaking civil action by the Omagh relatives.

Relatives of the Real IRA's bomb atrocity in Omagh in August 1998 were in the Commons recently. Elizabeth Gibson, Michael Gallagher and Victor Barker are ordinary people whose relatives - a sister and two sons - were wrenched from them by a group of fascists who are still active and, in fact, are the only terrorist group to have tried to attack the British mainland since 11 September.

The relatives are a varied group whose members cross the political and communal divide in Northern Ireland. The 31 Omagh victims were Catholic and
Protestant and included two young Spanish children as well as a Mormon. Hundreds of people were injured, some very seriously.

I am often amazed that the relatives of victims of terrorism are so dignified and determined in the face of sudden and needless death but what these relatives are doing has been more than that and could prove to be extraordinary.

They have already picketed Real IRA fundraising events in Belfast, London and America and helped secure the banning of the Real IRA in America and the freezing of its funds. They have also put considerable pressure on Sinn Féin to abandon its omerta - vow of silence - in refusing to assist the Irish police in finding the bombers before they strike again. McGuinness was door-stepped by Victor Barker on the day that he and his colleagues visited parliament to claim their new offices.

So far, only one man, Colm Murphy has been convicted of an offence connected with the Omagh bomb. He was found guilty of conspiracy so there are others to be caught and banged up. Before his conviction, Murphy transferred his considerable assets to relatives, hardly the actions of an innocent man. However, there are fears that no one else will be convicted. But the relatives have other plans.

They are now seeking funds to take 5 named individuals and the Real IRA to a civil court for punitive damages. The Omagh Relatives Legal Group has secured the services of a well-known firm of Solicitors, Henry Hepworth and have received positive legal advice from the Barrister, Lord Brennan of Matrix Chambers, where Cherie Blair works.

It would be a pioneering case, the first time ever in the world that a non-state actor, a paramilitary organisation was taken to court. A successful outcome could cripple the group, especially if it nets their frozen funds, which are estimated at being half a million pounds in the US alone. It could also provide a model for victims of terrorism around the world. Writs have been issued but not yet served since the relatives and their legal firm are then liable for huge amounts of money. And that is what they need to take this case to court. They and their advisers are confident of success.

So far the relatives have already raised £500,000 but they need another £1.5 million to start the case. And the legal clock is ticking away. Since it is a civil case, the State cannot assist financially although high-profile political support has been forthcoming from Peter Mandelson, the former Northern Ireland Secretary and MPs from all parties. However, unless they raise this money, from individuals and rich ones in particular by August of this year, they cannot proceed.

It seems ironic that at the same time as we hear of the many millions being spent on legal fees in the Saville Inquiry into Bloody Sunday, the relatives were unable to find such a relatively small pot of money to help destroy one of the most potent and immediate threats to the peace in Northern Ireland and to people in Great Britain. For make no mistake, the Real IRA will strike again, if they can. The relatives' case could end that threat.

See www.omaghbomb.nav.to for further information or to make a donation

This article first appeared at SourceUK.net in February 1, 2002.


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