Plans to take the UK to the European courts over the Dublin Monaghan bombings will not strain Anglo-Irish relations, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern insisted today.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said that he would consult with his Attorney General in a bid to take a case to the European Court of Human Rights.
Ireland has unsuccessfully sought British intelligence documents on the May 1974 car bombs that killed 34 people - the single biggest loss of life during Northern Ireland's troubles.
The Minister said in Dublin today he didn't think that taking Britain to the European Court of Justice would strain Anglo Irish relations.
“We've been here before. We're two democratic governments,” he said.
“We've already taken the British to government to court over Sellafield and we're still prosecuting that case very vigorously.
“But it doesn't reduce our ability to work with each other. We still get on with the work because we're professional politicians.
“I can't see any of these issues diverting us from the co-operation we can have on North-South and East-West issues.”
An inquiry reported two years ago that it was “likely” there had been collusion between members of the British security forces and the loyalist bomb teams.
An all-party parliamentary committee recommended in February that Ireland should pursue a case for the files in the European Court of Human Rights.
Mr Ahern raised the issue during talks with his British Prime Minster Tony Blair in London on Monday.
The Justice for the Forgotten group, which represents relatives of those killed in the bombings, has already filed complaints with the Strasbourg-based court.
It alleges that the Ulster Volunteer Force was assisted by members of British army intelligence in planning and planting the bombs.
Mr Ahern said there was “general disappointment” within the Government at the lack of co-operation by the British government.
“It's one of a number of areas that we have some difficulties and differences with the British in progressing.
“We will continue our dialogue and take whatever actions we think are necessary.”
Dermot Ahern was speaking at a landmark meeting in Dublin today on cross-border issues between between the Irish Government and an SDLP delegation from Northern Ireland.
PA