Ulster Human Rights Watch (UHRW) is asking the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, to support a call for a Public Inquiry into the La Mon PIRA atrocity forty-two years ago.
A similar call was made to the Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis, earlier this week.
Following a letter sent to Mr Martin, UHRW Advocacy Manager, Axel Schmidt, says: “We are leaving no stone unturned to pursue this matter, which is why we are reaching out to you. Dublin can exercise its influence and work with victims of terrorism to get all the facts exposed. Your Government can be seen as a force for good if it supports our demand and makes a stand with us on behalf of all the innocent victims in Northern Ireland, particularly those who still suffer grievously as a result of this appalling act.”
UHRW represents fifteen of the victims of the bomb attack which killed twelve innocent people and injured 24 others, described by Lord Justice Gibson as ‘the most horrific in the history of this community.
In his letter, Mr Schmidt says: “It would appear that all those responsible for this heinous crime, although identified by one of the bombers, were never arrested or questioned and the Historical Enquiries Team (HET), who reviewed the investigation of this case, concealed from the victims and their families the fact that the identities of other members of the bombing team were known to the police.
“The pursuit of truth, justice and acknowledgement in this case warrants that, after 42 years, the victims of this barbaric act of terrorism and their families be provided with the identity of those involved and a full account of their involvement in ordering, planning and executing of this atrocity.
“They also deserve a thorough explanation as to why the HET deemed it necessary to conceal the fact that the identity of those involved was known to the security forces. As a result, a public inquiry has been requested and I would kindly ask you to fully support this demand.
“Pressure applied for a Public Inquiry from the Government of the Republic of Ireland would be seen as justified and the UHRW calls upon it to take this action.”