A survivor of the Stardust tragedy today insisted Taoiseach Bertie Ahern buckled under a pre-election ultimatum to appoint a leading barrister to re-examine the case.
The Government contacted families of the victims late last night to tell them John Gallagher SC would review all evidence before advising on whether a new inquiry should be set up.
John Gallagher
Antoinette Keegan, whose sisters Martina and Mary were among 48 people who died in the fire, warned Mr Ahern on Tuesday he had 48 hours - an hour for every life lost - to re-open the investigation.
She vowed to embarrass the Fianna Fáil leader by picketing his constituency offices every day until the general election and organising protests at polling stations on voting day.
Last night she was told by a close senior aide to the Taoiseach that frantic efforts were ongoing to track down the Attorney General Rory Brady in the United States, she said.
The Government's most senior legal adviser has to rubber stamp appointments to legal inquiries carried out by the state.
The Taoiseach said in the Dáil last November that protests would not help "one bit" in the campaign for a renewed inquiry into the St Valentine's Night inferno in 1981.
The families had already indicated during talks with the Government over the past month they would accept the appointment of Mr Gallagher, one of six people considered for the post.
But Ms Keegan, who will stand as an independent candidate in the Dublin North Central constituency, said frustration over the pace of developments spurred her into heaping pressure on the Government.
"I am delighted, but I will be happier when it is all over. The families have waited 26 years for the truth. You only have to listen to the family of one person who died to see the pain is still very raw," she said.
While no time frame has been agreed it is understood experts will give evidence during a 10-day hearing as part of Mr Gallagher's investigation, which is expected to cost around €800,000.
Mr Gallagher is expected to begin studying the report from the original inquiry, chaired by former Chief justice Ronan Keane in 1982. It determined that the fire had started in an alcove and was probably deliberate arson by unknown people.
Crucially for the families, the barrister will examine the independent report commissioned by the Stardust Survivors Committee, which includes new evidence and new witnesses who have come forward.
Greg O'Neill, solicitor for the campaign, said: "It is my view that the case for a new inquiry is overwhelming."