Debate sought on twin 1974 bombings

Fresh calls were made today for a full Dáil debate into security force collusion in paramilitary attacks at the height of the…

Fresh calls were made today for a full Dáil debate into security force collusion in paramilitary attacks at the height of the Troubles.

At a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, campaigners said they would be calling for a debate as soon as a new government was installed.

The names of the 34 victims, including an unborn baby, were read out at the small gathering in central Dublin, also attended by a number of election candidates who have supported the campaign.

"As soon as the new government is installed, we will be requesting that a full debate on collusion be held in both houses into all cross-Border attacks in the 1970s as recommended by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice last November, which the outgoing Taoiseach has committed to holding," Justice for the Forgotten chairman Kevin O'Loughlin said.

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"We want to send out the message loud and clear on this 33rd anniversary that our campaign for truth and justice will continue until our aims are achieved."

On May 17th 1974, three no-warning car bombs exploded in central Dublin, killing 26 people with hundreds more injured.

Just over an hour later, a fourth car bomb exploded in Monaghan town, where a further seven people died.

The Dublin victims included a pregnant woman, and at a subsequent inquest her child was recognised as the 34th victim of the attacks.

Additional reporting: PA