Flanagan expresses regret over Omagh remarks and says he did not know of inquiry staffing cuts

Conflict · First reported 9 Nov, 16:15 · Updated 16:37

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Former RUC chief constable Ronnie Flanagan told the Omagh Bombing Inquiry that his 2001 comment about publicly committing suicide was insensitive and should not have been made. He said he was unaware of early reductions in the investigation’s staffing and hours, and maintained that he had kept faith with his commitment to the inquiry.

Flanagan called his 2001 suicide-related comment insensitive, said he regretted it, and apologised.
He said he did not know about early reductions in the incident room’s staffing and operating hours, but believed the investigation had kept faith with his commitment.
Inquiry counsel discussed an anonymous call to Finner Camp before the bombing; the inquiry team had asked the Irish Government for further information.

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Key facts

Bombing date: August 15, 1998
Deaths: 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins
Flanagan’s 2001 comment: He said it was insensitive, regretted it, and apologised
Investigation reductions: Flanagan said he was unaware of early reductions in incident-room hours and staffing
Inquiry location: Evidential hearings were being held in Belfast