"A moral imperative"

Bob Geldof was on hand today as a fundraising drive was launched to aid the civil prosecution of the Omagh bombers.

"What happened in Omagh is the UK's equivalent of what happened in America on September 11th," he told the assembled masses at the Irish Club in London's Eaton Square. "Raising the money to fight this legal action must be a moral imperative for all of us.

"If the Omagh relatives fail in court with this campaign that is one thing and the verdict of the court will have to be accepted for better or worse. If they fail because of apathy and lack of money and generosity it will be nothing short of a national scandal for both Britain and Ireland."

The Omagh Victims Legal Fund – which currently stands at £600,000stg – also has the support of David Trimble, Peter Mandelson, Barry McGuigan, Seamus Heaney, Maeve Binchy and Liam Neeson.

If you'd like to contribute donations can be sent to the Fund directly at 21 Southwick Mews, London W2 1JG or through any Bank of Ireland branch. The sort code is 90-50-02 and the account number 307 90971.