Mr Gerry Adams is to take legal advice over whether he should answer a subpoena to testify in a Northern Ireland High Court £10 million civil compensation case which relatives of the Omagh bomb victims are taking against alleged "Real IRA" members.
Mr Adams said yesterday he had no evidence to offer that could assist in the hearing, and suggested there was an ulterior motive to his being subpoenaed, along with senior Provisional republicans Mr Brian Gillen, Mr Brian Keenan, Mid-Ulster MP Mr Martin McGuinness and West Tyrone MP Mr Pat Doherty.
The Sinn Féin president said he was surprised that these subpoenas were being issued, and that he was taking legal advice on the matter. "The Omagh bomb was a grievous blow to the families who lost loved ones, and had loved ones injured," he said. "It was also a setback for the broad republican struggle, although it was carried out by a small unrepresentative micro-group.
"I do know that there are those who have evidence to offer. The (RUC) Special Branch who had notice of the bombing, members and elements of British military intelligence who were advised by British agents and others, have information about this bombing."
Twenty-nine people and unborn twin girls died in the August 1998 bombing. Relatives of the victims are taking a case against five alleged "Real IRA" members: Mr Michael McKevitt (51), the alleged former quartermaster general of the Provisional IRA who reportedly defected and helped establish the "Real IRA", and who faces charges in the South of directing terrorism; Colm Murphy (51), the only person convicted (in the Republic) in connection with the bombing; Mr Seamus McKenna (49), and Mr Seamus Daly (33).
Mr Victor Barker, whose 12-year-old son James died in the blast, said it was critical that Mr Adams and Mr McGuinness testify, as they could help establish how the "Real IRA" was formed.
"I have met Mr Barker and I have told Mr Barker that I have no evidence on any of that," said Mr Adams.
