On the fourth anniversary of Omagh, the families have no intention of winding down their campaign to bring the bombers to justice, writes Gerry Moriarty, Northern Editor
Four years on it doesn't get much easier for the Omagh families. Anniversaries are often the most emotionally gruelling periods. In general though they are united by a sense of mission, to bring the perpetrators to book in the criminal or civil courts- or preferably both.
"It's not easy now," says Mr Michael Gallagher, speaking with typical polite understatement, on his own behalf and on behalf of the Omagh Victims Group. Today he will join those who bear the physical and psychological scars of Omagh for an inter-denominational service at the memorial garden in the town.
This white-haired man, who lost his 21-year-old son Adrian in the attack, has maintained his dignity throughout the past four years of investigation, inquest, campaigning and high-profile controversies such as that between former police chief Sir Ronnie Flanagan and Police Ombudsman Ms Nuala O'Loan.
There is a calm, strong passion hidden behind his quiet words. He is the main public face of the families and like them, isn't prepared to let go. "It has to be done," he says simply from his home in Omagh yesterday.
Asked about Sinn Féin's party chairman, Mr Mitchel McLaughlin, yesterday baulking at PSNI calls on republicans to support the inquiry into the bombing, he asks: "Why, why, why?"
He points to what he feels are glaring incongruities in Sinn Féin's stance. How can it claim to be part of the democratic system yet refuses to unambiguously support the investigation? How can Mr McLaughlin say Sinn Féin wants justice for the Omagh families yet refuses to assist in doing something practical to help achieve that justice?
And if Sinn Féin says it supports the Garda Síochána, which is also involved in the investigation, then why can't it urge republicans to provide information to the Garda on who carried out the bombing which killed 29 people and unborn twins?
"The key to this investigation lies within the republican community. If Sinn Féin does not come forward and support this investigation either North or South it is willing to accept the deaths of 31 innocent people, including women and children, as the norm," Mr Gallagher adds.
Tough words for Sinn Féin. Mr McLaughlin has stressed that neither he nor any other Sinn Féin member was dissuading anyone from providing information. But citing republican antipathy to the PSNI Special Branch, he could not bring himself to say republicans should assist the investigation.
It was an issue which ran through the day.
Det Supt Norman Baxter says Sinn Féin could have a major role in apprehending the bombers as it had influence in south Armagh and Dundalk from where the "Real IRA" team organised its attack on August 15th, 1998.
It is all proving rather embarrassing for Sinn Féin.
In the meantime, the campaign continues. Only one person has been convicted in relation to Omagh, Colm Murphy, who is serving 14 years in the Republic for conspiring to cause the explosion.
He is one of five people from whom the Omagh relatives are seeking damages in civil cases for allegedly being involved in the bombing.
The 32-County Sovereignty Movement, which is linked to the "Real IRA", described the civil actions as a blatant "political stunt". Not that that has deterred Mr Gallagher or his friends.
Det Supt Baxter says he shares the relatives' frustration at the lack of progress in the investigation, but stresses that police are relying on receiving information from those who could assist the inquiry. "These people should examine their consciences," he says.