Omagh Bomb Families: Minister Fell Asleep During Meeting; No Public Inquiry

Families criticized officials about the Omagh bomb inquiry. They said some former leaders didn’t want a probe. One minister even fell asleep during a meeting.

Stanley McCombe lost his wife in the 1998 attack. He said thirteen officials failed to order a public inquiry. Chris Heaton-Harris finally granted one.

Bereaved families gathered for the inquiry. It will examine if the UK could have prevented it. The meeting was held in Omagh. Mr. McCombe’s statement was read by his lawyer.

He said families held terrorists accountable through their efforts. He spent his life campaigning. He pursued a civil claim. He said this impacted time with his sons. He felt it was his duty to Ann and the other victims. It was about truth and justice.

Thirteen officials could have ordered the inquiry. Theresa Villiers refused to hold one. Chris Heaton-Harris granted it after a court case.

Mr. McCombe said it was bigger than any person. The public inquiry is very important to them. It is about doing what is right. It is about standing up. It ensures this never happens again.

Michael Gallagher lost his son in the bombing. He said Heaton-Harris was a “breath of fresh air.” He felt Heaton-Harris listened to them closely. Gallagher recalled a previous meeting. One official fell asleep during it. Chris Heaton-Harris visited Omagh. He visited the memorial garden, too.

Mr. McCombe and Ann celebrated their 25th anniversary before her death. He said expressing this loss is impossible. Ann was caring and wonderful. Ann was the kindest person he knew. She always cared for everyone. She was very fit and loved her church. Family meant everything to her.

He was in Scotland during the bombing. He learned Ann was missing. Later, he learned she was identified at the morgue. It confirmed his worst fears. His trip home was the “longest and worst.” He remembers every minute. The town felt like death. People were gone and silent.

He identified his wife. The image haunts him. Her funeral followed with many attendees. He focused on his sons who needed him. Their safety mattered most to him. He remembers Ann fondly. She was kind and put others first. They lost their world that day.

Mr. McCombe’s son, Clive, said their lives changed then. Colin recalled hearing the bomb. He saw bodies and chaos everywhere. Colin described a nightmare. His mind couldn’t grasp it. He then says that he is privileged to live. His mother never had that privilege.