Change to law urged to convict bombers

The Fine Gael Northern Ireland spokesman, Mr Brian Hayes, has called for an overhaul of the criminal law to help secure the conviction…

The Fine Gael Northern Ireland spokesman, Mr Brian Hayes, has called for an overhaul of the criminal law to help secure the conviction of the breakaway paramilitaries behind the Omagh bombing.

Mr Hayes cited the decline in organised crime that followed changes to the law introduced in response to the gangland killing of journalist Veronica Guerin.

"There was a dramatic effect in changing our criminal law in the wake of the Veronica Guerin murder. At the very least, I believe the gardai and the RUC should be asked by each government to see if law changes could help convict the Omagh bombers," he said.

"Actions and not words are required from both government so that the perpetrators of this dreadful bombing are held to account."