Commenting on the Omagh Inquiry MOU with the Dublin Government, TUV leader Jim Allister KC MP said:-
“The terms of the MOU between the Omagh Inquiry Chairman and the Dublin Government is a reminder in itself of the structural imbalance in the pursuit of the truth of the Omagh bombing.
“Whereas the Omagh Inquiry in its terms of reference is confined to any failings north of the border – never forgetting it is the terrorists who are to blame – the ROI continues to fail to face up to its responsibilities in circumstances where the bomb was made in its territory and transported to NI by its terrorist citizens.
“By continuing to refuse to conduct its own public inquiry, as recommended by Horner LJ, the Republic, the Republic once more lives up to its historic record of covering up its harbouring of terrorists.
“Now, this MOU casts cooperation with the Turnbull Inquiry very much on ROI’s terms, making it clear (para 5) that no legally binding obligations on Dublin are created. Moreover, through the proscribed powers of redaction, which is widened to include non-disclosure of even the existence of a document, any assurance of transparent cooperation from Dublin is significantly undermined (para 36d).
“Instead of the parallel Dublin Inquiry that is needed, the Republic is fobbing the victims off with promises, but lacking enforceable obligations to ‘open its books’ on what is known.”