Claims the Garda failed to act on warnings before the Omagh bombing must be investigated by the Northern Ireland police ombudsman, relatives said today.
Families of those killed in the "Real IRA" attack were dismissive of an inquiry ordered by Dublin, urging the British and Irish authorities to call in ombudsman Nuala O'Loan's office.
Mr Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was among the 29 killed in the bombing, said: "We know her [Mrs O'Loans] remit is only for Northern Ireland, but the governments could make special arrangements at the flick of a switch."
The findings of an independent investigation into the claims in relation to the Garda have yet to be published.
But relatives insisted they have no faith in the inquiry team, led by senior civil servant Mr Dermot Nally, claiming its members do not have the proper skills.
It is understood that Omagh families suggested Mrs O'Loan's team of investigators be brought in during talks with the Minister for Justice Mr McDowell in Dublin yesterday.
Mr McDowell is believed to have rejected the plan, but Mr Gallagher insisted the ombudsman's scathing report on the Royal Ulster Constabulary's investigation into the bombing proved she has the necessary experience.
In a damning assessment of the hunt for the bombers, Mrs O'Loan discovered RUC Special Branch were told of paramilitary plans to strike but failed to alert officers on the ground in Omagh.
Mr Gallagher added: "Nuala O'Loan should be allowed to carry out a similar investigation into the allegations surrounding the Garda as she did into the RUC. It's a joint cross-border police inquiry so we feel she should not be restricted.
"The bombers travelled from the Republic and spent less than 40 minutes in Northern Ireland before returning to the Republic. I reckon 80 per cent of the investigative opportunities are within the Republic of Ireland," he said.
PA
