Ronnie Flanagan's 'Apology' Incomplete

The RUC boss at the time of the Omagh bomb hasn't gone far enough in his 'apology' over the failed investigation into the atrocity.

The father of a boy killed in the Omagh bombing has said Sir Ronnie Flanagan's apology does not go far enough.

The former RUC chief constable said he was desperately sorry that no-one had been convicted for the Real IRA attack which killed 29 people in 1998.

But Victor Barker said Sir Ronnie should now resign as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary.

Michael Gallagher, whose son also died, welcomed the apology but said there also needed to be a public inquiry.

Sir Ronnie made the apology after meeting Mr Barker on Wednesday evening.

Mr Barker, whose 12-year-old son James was murdered, said: "I said to Ronnie in view of the fact that he was ultimately responsible for this investigation he should resign.

"It was only when he was in front of the cameras afterwards that he said he apologised for the fact that no-one has been brought to justice.

"He didn't apologise for the fact that his investigation was deeply flawed."

Mr Flanagan told Channel 4 News: "I publicly apologise to all those families and all those victims; to all those who were injured, without reservation."

Last month Sean Hoey - the only man charged with murdering the 29 people - was cleared.

(BMcC)

The families expressed criticism of Mr Flanagan, who is now Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary.

(BMcC)