The Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan and the Police Ombudsman Mrs Nuala O'Loan have met in an effort to resolve the dispute over her report into the Omagh bomb investigation.
|
|
Sir Ronnie Flanagan. Photograph: Reuters
|
It is understood they met at her office in Belfast yesterday after the chief constable responded to accusations that his flawed judgment had significantly reduced the chances of bringing the bombers to justice.
A spokesman for Sir Ronnie said: "He will be making no further comment until he has prepared a detailed response to the Omagh report."
It is understood representatives of both sides were anxious to have face-to-face talks in an effort to calm the row over her report into the police investigation which shocked survivors and relatives of the August 1998 outrage which left 29 people dead.
The chief constable's spokesman added: "It is hoped that the victims of Omagh and their relatives can now be allowed a period of reflection over Christmas and the New Year period."
Sir Ronnie is expected to make his official response to the ombudsman's claims early next year before he retires.
His meeting with Mrs O'Loan lasted more than an hour, according to a spokesman for the ombudsman.
Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board are expected to meet in Belfast on Thursday to discuss the row.
PA