Families of victims of the Omagh bombing today confronted protesters from the 32 County Sovereignty Movement as they demonstrated in London over prisoners' rights.
Relatives held pictures of those murdered in the atrocity as they faced members of the Sovereignty Movement in a tense stand-off outside the Irish embassy in London.
The demonstrators had not known a counter-protest was planned by the Omagh Victims Legal Action Group and looked shocked when they arrived.
Mr Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aidan was among 29 people killed in the blast, said it was time the group faced up to what they were supporting.
"For 30 years terrorists have not been challenged by families of the victims and they don't like it now that it's finally happening."
Mr Gallagher said he had requested a meeting with British Home Secretary Mr David Blunkett and British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair to discuss the discrepancy.
"If Mr Blair is a man of his word and if he is committed to the global war on terrorism he must take active measures to deal with the 32 County Sovereignty Movement."
Mr Gallagher also delivered a letter to the Irish Ambassador urging the Irish Government to ban the group.
Mr Michael Hogan, from the London branch of the Sovereignty Movement which organised the protest, said they were demonstrating against the treatment of Republican prisoners in Portlaoise prison who have had privileges suspended following a protest inside the jail last week.
"We have nothing against the Omagh families being here. They are entitled to hold a peaceful demonstration, as are we. We will not be drawn into direct confrontation with them no matter how much we are provoked."
PA