Dublin-Monaghan relatives call for public inquiry

The group representing the victims of the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings has called for a fully public judicial inquiry to establish the truth behind who was responsible for the attacks.

Speaking at a press conference two days before the 29th anniversary of the bombings, Ms Bernie McNally, who is chairperson of the Justice for the Forgottengroup, called for an inquiry into claims that collusion between British Intelligence and loyalist paramilitaries resulted in the bombings which happened on May 17th, 1974.

The group does not believe the Government-established inquiry into the bombings, chaired by Mr Justice Barron will fully expose the truth.

Ms McNally said: "He [Justice Barron] has not had the powers to do so, he has not had a tenth of the powers or resources that Stevens had. He has not had the clear and full co-operation of the British Government as promised by the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair."

However, the group does believe the Barron Inquiry will cast a "permanent spotlight" on the bombings and is calling on both the Irish and British governments and the parties to the Belfast Agreement to commit themselves to the pursuit of the truth as an essential "act of completion"

She added: "No conflict is over for the victims while a veil of secrecy surrounds the death and injury of loved ones. The secrets and conspiracies of the past have to be decommissioned as much as the armaments."

The Dublin-Monaghan bombings remain the worst act of violence in the 30 years of conflict since the outbreak of the Troubles.

At approximately 5.30 p.m. on May 17th, 1974, three car-bombs exploded in Dublin city centre. The bombs were strategically located and timed to kill as many civilians as possible.

In Parnell Street, Talbot Street and South Leinster Street that Friday rush hour, 26 people died and more than 200 were injured.

Ninety minutes later a car-bomb exploded on North Street, Monaghan. Seven people died and more than 40 were injured. No warnings were given. No charges were ever brought against the perpetrators.