Omagh remembered

Saturday 15 August 1998 is a day that I, like so many millions of others across the world, will sadly never, ever forget.

For it was on this date that the Real IRA detonated a massive car bomb in Omagh, Co Tyrone, killing 31 innocent people including unborn twins and 11 children.

Despite knowing the identities of the "men" responsible for the massacre, the police could not gather together sufficient evidence to bring criminal prosecutions. But the matter would not be allowed to let rest there.

Taking as their motto, "From evil to triumph, all that is necessary is for good men to do nothing," families of 10 of the victims decided to pursue the murderers through the civil courts where the burden of proof is lower.

I was working for the Ulster Unionist Party in Westminster at the time and was privileged to become personally involved in their quest for justice which eventually ended just over three weeks ago when Michael McKevitt, Liam Campbell, Colm Murphy and Seamus Daly were found to be responsible for the bombing and ordered to pay £1.6 million in damages. Seamus McKenna was cleared of involvement but, trust me, he did it.

Last night I was honoured to attend the London launch of,"Aftermath - The Omagh Bombing and the Families' Pursuit of Justice," an awe-inspiring book written by my good friend Ruth Dudley Edwards (pictured above).

Also speaking were three very important people whose individual roles were crucial to the success of the campaign.

One was the always impressive Marquis of Salisbury - formerly Robert Cranborne - who put his hand in his pocket and also assisted in countless other ways.

Peter Mandelson who, to his immense credit, persuaded the Labour Government to make a significant contribution from the public purse towards the fighting fund.

And Victor Barker, for me, the most eloquent spokesperson for the Omagh families, who tragically lost his 12-year-old son James in the atrocity.

It was an extraordinarily moving occasion and my signed copy of Ruth's book is something I will cherish forever. I would strongly encourage you to pick one up at your local bookshop if you get the chance.

As a slight but associated aside, exactly seven days after the bombing, the town of Omagh came to a standstill whilst a memorial service was held close to the site of the blast.

During that service, local singer Juliet Turner performed a song entitled "Broken Things" which I remember very vividly. I've just spent some time searching for a link to the footage of this and eventually succeeded.

I challenge you not to have tears in your eyes by the time you've finished listening: http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/155000/video/_156891_julia_turner_vi.ram