Omagh interference reports 'a slur'

The bomb tore the heart out of the town

The Irish government has issued fresh rejections of claims that it interfered in police investigations of the Omagh bombing for political reasons.

The allegations were made in weekend newspaper reports following the BBC TV Panorama programme's decision to name four people suspected of involvement in the atrocity.

Twenty-nine people were killed and more than 200 injured in a car bomb, left by the dissident republican Real IRA, in the County Tyrone town on 15 August 1998.

Following the reports, Ireland's opposition party Fine Gael tabled a private members' motion calling on the government to outline what action had been taken, after new anti-terrorist legislation came into force in the wake of the bombing.

So far, only one person has been charged over the bombing, however, three men arrested earlier this week are still being questioned by police in County Monaghan.

Speaking in the Irish Parliament, the Dail, on Wednesday night, Irish Justice Minister John O'Donoghue said that the very suggestion of political interference in the Omagh investigation was "simply horrifying".

He added that the allegation was also a slur on the Irish police, the garda.

He also rejected opposition claims that the extended powers of the Offences Against the State Act had not been used.

Brian Cowen: "Firm intention that killers be brought to justice"

Meanwhile, Irish Foreign Minister, Brian Cowen said the motion sent out a strong message to those behind the bombing.

He said: "It is our firm intention that they be tracked down, however, long it takes."

The Irish minister paid tribute to police efforts on both sides of the Irish border since the bombing.

He added: "Let me be completely clear - this government will never, ever allow political considerations of any type to interfere with the course of justice.

"In bombing Omagh, and in their other violent acts, the so-called Real IRA has pitted itself against the will of the Irish people.

"Let me also state plainly and clearly - the government will use every tool at our disposal to thwart their efforts.

"The Omagh bombers and their supporters regard themselves as a higher authority than the Irish people themselves.

"They believe their stream of politics to be pure and untainted by compromise, but it is poisoned by hatred. Nothing can flow from it but death and destruction."

Meanwhile, chairman of the BBC Sir Christopher Bland has supported the decision to show last week's Panorama programme.

Speaking in Belfast on Wednesday night, Sir Christopher Bland described the programme as "brave, challenging and necessary".