Madam, - Monday is the 30th anniversary of Ireland's worst atrocity, the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in which 34 people lost their lives. Although the Barron report on the bombings still leaves many questions unanswered, the issues it raised demonstrate the need for a full public inquiry.
The Taoiseach at the time, Mr Cosgrave, and the then Minister for Justice Mr Cooney, must take responsibility for the failure to launch a full investigation and to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice. They have a moral responsibility to clear the air on this very grave matter. They owe it to those who died, to their families who have suffered for 30 years, and to the hundreds of innocent people who have carried the physical and emotional scars of this atrocity with them every day since.
Since the publication of the Barron report, it has been astounding that the members of that government have suddenly after, almost 30 years of silence, found their voices in order to rubbish the report. This seems to be largely because the report highlights their failure to ensure a proper inquiry.
A matter of particular concern exposed by the Barron inquiry is the disappearance of all the files relating to this atrocity. This in itself needs a full investigation.
In the event of a full public inquiry British Prime Minister Tony Blair must ensure the British authorities give full co-operation. Mr Blair has been very vocal about his commitment to the fight against terrorism. If the British want the respect of the international community they must show they are willing to examine any possible involvement by the British authorities and that those responsible will be held accountable.
For 30 years the Dublin and Monaghan bombings have been swept under the carpet and the victims and their families left to grieve and wonder alone. There were no national days of mourning, no books of condolences and no answers. The first commemorative Mass for the victims took place almost 16 years later and it was organised, not by the State, but by two old-age pensioners.
Is this any way to treat our people and respect the dead? - Yours, etc.,
PATRICIA McKENNA, MEP, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.