Lack of conclusive proof on collusion says Barron report

A report into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in 1974 has said the group responsible could have carried out the attack on its own.

The Report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry found that while there were grounds for suspecting the bombers may have had help from members of British security forces, there was no conclusive proof.

The report also raised questions about whether the Irish security services did enough to find those responsible.

Thirty-three people died in the two bombings which occurred within two hours of each other on 17 May, 1974.

No one has been convicted of the killings, however the UVF admitted responsibility for the attacks around 10 years ago.

Commenting on the Barron report, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said: "It is some 30 years since the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 17 May 1974 but that has not diminished the need for answers and clarity about what happened on what was one of the blackest days in our recent history."

Mr Ahern said the government would look more closely at the findings of the report before commenting on what action, if any, can be taken.

Northren Ireland Secretary of State, Paul Murphy said the British Government would also look closely at the report.

"The British Government, from the Prime Minister down, has been committed to helping the Inquiry as fully as possible," he said.

The inquiry was set up in Dublin three years ago and was initially expected to be published last year.

(MB)