Relatives of those killed in the Omagh bomb have said they are delighted at McKevitt's conviction for directing terrorism.
They said it would help ease their pain and they thanked FBI agent, Mr Dave Rupert, for testifying against the "Real IRA" leader. Speaking outside the Special Criminal Court yesterday, Mr Victor Barker, whose son James (12), was killed in the 1998 explosion, said: "This judgment is a great step forward in our fight for justice for those murdered in Omagh. We now know what we suspected all along - McKevitt is a terrorist, a man who has the blood of innocent people on his hands."
He paid tribute to the Garda and "especially Dave Rupert for his courage in coming forward to tell the truth". When asked if he had a message for the "Real IRA" leader, Mr Barker said: "You do not succeed in your political aims by bombing and murdering."
Mr Kevin Skelton, whose wife, Philomena (57), was killed in the bombing, said: "I'm glad McKevitt has been put away. It's one less terrorist on the street."
He did not fear the conviction would be overturned on appeal. "He is as guilty as sin and he can't change that. But I'm worried that in five years or so the Government will do a deal with these boys and let them back on the streets."
Mr Laurence Rush, whose wife, Libby (57), died in the blast, described McKevitt's conviction as "a flower in a desert". "He has blood on his hands, it's as simple as that." The "Real IRA" leader has three young children. Mr Rush said he knew they might now be deprived of their father but "if you make your bed, you must lie on it".
Mr Michael Gallagher, whose son, Aidan (21), was another victim of the bomb, said: "The last five years have been very hard for the Omagh relatives but we feel the tide is turning with this conviction. It gives us hope." It was stressed in the judgement that McKevitt was convicted of directing terrorism and "Real IRA" membership on dates after the Omagh bomb. However, the court heard he had discussed the "Real IRA's" involvement in the attack with Mr Rupert.
Mr Barker said the conviction strengthened the Omagh relatives resolve to pursue their civil action against those whom they claim were involved in the bomb.
"The net is closing in on the Omagh bombers. Having come this far, we cannot let them get away."
The Garda said it was delighted with the judgement. Speaking outside the court, Det Chief Supt Martin Callinan said it was a "significant result" after a "long, protracted prosecution".
He paid tribute to the British and US security services and Mr Rupert, the key witness. The Garda was "very, very grateful to him".
Testifying had been "a brave thing to do" because of the "grave concerns" for his future security.