Former police watchdog's remarks on Omagh bomb condemned

by Q Radio News

A former policing watchdog who investigated the Omagh bombing has said it could have been prevented.

Baroness Nuala O'Loan called for a public inquiry into the worst single atrocity of the Northern Ireland conflict and seriously questioned the handling of security force intelligence.

Later on Wednesday, relatives will mark 20 years since the August 1998 dissident republican blast which killed 29, including a woman pregnant with twins.

Baroness O'Loan said the various intelligence services could have worked in a more cohesive way.

IMAGE: Damage caused by the car bomb in 1998

However, in response to comments made by Baroness Nuala O’Loan today, PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton said: “Today is about remembering the 20th anniversary of the Omagh bombing, one of Northern Ireland’s most horrific atrocities which claimed the lives of 29 innocent people and unborn baby twins at the hands of a Real IRA car bomb.

This is a day for remembrance and reflection and out of the deep respect I have for the grieving families I do not intend saying anything additional to my comments regarding the Omagh bomb this morning and to which I am addressing in this statement.

My heartfelt thoughts are with the families of the victims, those who were injured on that tragic day as well as those who still suffer the after-effects of helping the dying and injured at the scene. 

The former Police Ombudsman Baroness Nuala O’Loan has today alleged it is her firm view that the bombing could have been prevented. I consider this comment to be inaccurate, unfair and unreasonable.

It adds to the pain of those who continue to suffer following this atrocity and whilst I have no wish to add to their suffering, today of all days, these assertions cannot go unchallenged. Police were not in a position to prevent the Omagh bombing."

IMAGE: Crowds gather in Omagh today for the 20th anniversary 

Mr Hamilton continued, "In 2001 the Ombudsman carried out an investigation into matters relating to the Omagh bombing. 

Today Baroness O’Loan has  commented that the police did not act on an anonymous piece of information received on 4th August which she asserts could have prevented the bombing.

In her statement of 12th December 2001 the Ombudsman considered this and noted that the call related to weapons being brought in to carry out an attack on police in Omagh on 15th August 1998.

In her own report of 2001, Baroness O’Loan comments, ‘it is not possible to say what impact other action between 4th August & 15th August would’ve had or whether action other than that taken by Special Branch, could’ve prevented the Omagh bomb. 

Subsequent to the Ombudsman report in 2009 a report was published by Sir Peter Gibson, the Intelligence Services Commissioner, following a review directed by former PM Gordon Brown into interception intelligence.

In his report Sir Peter concluded, ‘Any intelligence derived from interception as might’ve existed could not have prevented the bombing.’

Considering these reports, I do not know what has led Baroness O’Loan to a conclusion that differs so much from her remarks of 2001. 

Considerations around a public inquiry into the Omagh bombing are a matter for Government”.

Here is my response to comments made by Nuala O’Loan in relation to the Omagh bomb on this the 20th anniversary.https://t.co/bKf3IS1HQF @PoliceServiceNI

— George Hamilton (@ChiefConPSNI) August 15, 2018