The Omagh bombing was "morally identical" to the events of September 11th, musician Mr Bob Geldof claimed today as he appealed for more money to help bring the suspected bombers to justice.
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Live Aid founder
and pop singer Bob Geldof |
Mr Geldof was joined by Nothern Ireland’s First Minister Mr David Trimble, former Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Peter Mandelson and boxing hero Mr Barry McGuigan in calling for funds to help the families of those killed mount a civil action against the alleged bombers.
At the meeting in the Irish Club in central London, Live Aid founder Mr Geldof said he was "appalled" by the lack response to the families' appeal so far.
To date, the families have raised just £500,000 sterling for their legal battle. They need at least £1 million by the end of April if their civil action is to make it to court, the pop singer said.
"Omagh was without question our September 11th. There is no moral difference in any sense," Mr Geldof said. "I'm appalled by the lack of out-pouring from our two countries, Britain and Ireland.
"When you consider what was donated in cash from Britain and Ireland to the victims of the atrocity in America and what these people have received in pursuit of justice, then it leads us all to shame," he said.
"There are an awful lot of very wealthy Irish people in this country and in Ireland. I can't understand why they can't fund it, I can't understand why people who aren't wealth can't throw a few quid in the pot."
Twenty-nine people died and two unborn children were killed in the ‘Real IRA’ car bomb which devastated Omagh on August 15th, 1998.
PA