19th December 2001

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Doherty to meet Ombudsman

Sinn Fein MP for West Tyrone Pat Doherty will meet with the Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan at her offices on Friday at 12 noon. Speaking today Mr. Doherty said `it is crucial that the RUC and the establishment around them are not allowed to cover up the role of the Special Branch in the lead up to and the aftermath of the Omagh Bomb.'

Mr. Doherty said:

``Last week Nuala O'Loan delivered indictment of the RUC Special Branch and the RUC Chief Ronnie Flanagan. Mr. Flanagan and his establishment allies have attempted to divert attention away from the report and have instead engaged in quite disgraceful personal attacks on those demanding an inquiry into the Special Branch and any role they had in the Omagh bomb.

``To date the RUC have failed to address the substance of the Police Ombudsman's report. Sinn Fein supports the call made by the families of those killed in Omagh for a fully independent inquiry into the events of that terrible day.

``As the MP for the area I look forward to meeting with the Ombudsman and raising directly with her the very damning revelations contained in her report.''ENDS

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