Amid all the wrangling and finger-pointing which has surrounded the Omagh bomb investigation, one indisputable fact rises above all others.
The person or persons responsible for the deaths of 29 people and unborn twins have not been brought to justice and by any standards, that is a scandal.
Anyone who can remember that dreadful day – and it was less than five years ago – will recall that following the worldwide revulsion and anger there was an intense belief that the bombers could not possibly get away with this shocking crime.
All the elements appeared to be in place to ensure a swift and successful investigation.
The British and Irish governments vowed to pursue the killers with all means available.
The RUC and the Garda Siochana were forthright in their determination to catch the killers and co-operate fully in their pursuit of the Real IRA.
The most modern forensic and investigative techniques were also available to examine all evidence and pursue all leads.
Despite the promises and the rhetoric, the expected breakthrough did not happen and the bereaved and injured became increasingly – and understandably – frustrated and disappointed.
Those believed to be behind the bombing were named on television, but still the gang members responsible for making and planting the car bomb were not charged.
Only one man, Colm Murphy, has been jailed for his role in the Omagh massacre. He received 14 years for conspiracy to cause an explosion and was jailed in January last year.
The devastating report by Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan led to an unedifying row with then chief constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan and raised serious questions about the conduct of the investigation and the role of special branch.
The row over the O'Loan Report led the Policing Board to appoint Merseyside Deputy chief constable Mike Tonge to assess and monitor the Omagh investigation.
A year on and Mr Tonge's report was presented to the Policing Board yesterday and appears to have received a generally positive response.
Such reviews are important to ensure everything is on the right track and to establish what is required to conclude the Omagh inquiry.
The fundamental issue is achieving justice for the bereaved and injured. That must be the priority of the police, north and south.
However, despite this report, many people must wonder if the killers will ever serve time for the worst single outrage of the Troubles.
