Gardai deny rift with PSNI over Omagh witness

Gardaí have denied there is a rift between themselves and the PSNI following reports in three Sunday newspapers that suggested…

Gardaí have denied there is a rift between themselves and the PSNI following reports in three Sunday newspapers that suggested a row had developed over access to a witness in the Omagh bomb inquiry.

A statement released by the organisation said: "any suggestion of a rift between both organisations is simply not true."

The individual, known as Witness X, is believed to have been the "Real IRA" agent who supplied information to the Garda of plans to bomb Omagh.

On Saturday a PSNI spokesman issued the following statement: "The PSNI believe that this man could be a significant witness and have made a number of requests for him to be made available for interview. We will continue to do so."

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However, the Garda Síochána said they cannot compel compliance by the individual.

The garda statement said: "The Garda Síochána have always been anxious to have all requests for interviews complied with by those who wish to carry them out, however the Gardaí cannot compel compliance by the person known as Witness X."

"The Garda Síochána enjoy an excellent relationship with the PSNI and the relationship has been cemented further with the implementation of the Patten Report," the statement added.

Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy is Digital Production Editor of The Irish Times