Irish authorities refusing to hand over alleged bomb suspect: MP claims

Irish authorities know the whereabouts of an man allegedly involved in the Omagh bombing but are refusing to hand him over to the PSNI, a Tory MP has claimed today.

Using parliamentary privilege, Conservative MP for Tewkesbury, Laurence Robertson, named the man he alleged was wanted for questioning in connection with the 1998 atrocity.

Speaking during Northern Ireland Question Time at the House of Commons on Wednesday, Mr Robinson questioned why the Irish Republic had refused to hand over the alleged Real IRA member to police in Northern Ireland.

The Tewkesbury MP also asked if the man had relocated to the UK, after being stopped by authorities in Cardiff recently.

Responding, NIO Minister Ian Pearson said he would look into the issue.

“There is a good strong level of co-operation between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Garda Siochana on a wide level of issues, certainly including dealing with paramilitarities and dealing with the issue of organised criminal activity.

"As far as the individual concerned that you mentioned, I will look into that issue and get back to you."

Twenty-nine men, women and children died and hundreds were injured in the Real IRA car bomb attack on 15 August 1998, in what was the worst loss of life in the history of Northern Ireland’s ‘Troubles’.

(MB)