A chara, - The inquest into the deaths in the Omagh bombing of August 15th, 1998 provides all of us once again with an opportunity to make our voices heard in the cause of peace and justice. The lesson of Omagh is clear. We must have an end to violence and terror in our country for once and for all. It is regrettable, but true that, despite a huge amount of time and resources devoted by the Gardai to tracking down those responsible for this dreadful atrocity, only one person has been brought before the courts in connection with it.
It must surely be the responsibility of all democrats and Christian people to help in every possible way the work of the Garda Siochana in finding the killers of the men, women and children murdered in Omagh. In this regard I am amazed, puzzled and indeed disgusted as to why, despite repeated pleas from the families of the victims, the leaders of Sinn Fein, refuse to assist the Garda in its task of bringing to justice the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
The Good Friday Agreement, which brought peace to Ireland, also placed a duty on all politicians and especially those formerly involved in violence to help heal the wounds of past violent acts and to play a leading role in ensuring that violence is in the past forever. Coupled with this is the matter of respect for law and justice and I do believe that the leaders of Sinn Fein have it in their power to help the Garda in the search for the Omagh bombers. Their excuse that they have no trust or confidence in the RUC is very hollow when the option is open to them to assist the Garda, which is playing a leading role in the Omagh bombing investigation.
I await the response of Sinn Fein leaders with anticipation and hope. - Is mise,
Sean O Cionnaith, Thomas McDonagh Tower, Ballymun, Dublin 9.