Policemen refused to testify at Omagh inquiry
Two policemen refused to give evidence to a high-level investigation into Omagh bomb intelligence in Northern Ireland, it was revealed today.
A member from the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) Special Branch was among those who failed to co-operate with the inquiry, Sir Peter Gibson added. His investigation rejected claims information about the attack, which killed 29 people, was held back.
A Westminster committee of MPs is hearing evidence on his review, established after BBC Panorama claimed the government’s communications intercept centre was listening to mobile telephones used to co-ordinate the 1998 Real IRA explosion.
Sir Peter said one of the officers who snubbed him was on the investigating team.
“The other was Special Branch, he didn‘t lead a team,” he said.
He added: “It would have been nice confirmation for me if what I had heard was the truth, obviously one wants as much confirmation as possible.”
In his report Sir Peter said details from telephone intercepts from the British government communications headquarters were passed on promptly and fully in accordance with proper procedures.
Michael Gallagher, whose son Aiden died in the blast, said: “It is unfortunate these people that have spent a lifetime in law enforcement have decided not to co-operate.
“Why would they not want to continue to support law and order and to shed light on the matter?”
