Survivor of Dublin Monaghan UVF bombings says 'pledge' by Tánaiste Micheál Martin to release all files is 'a sound bite' to relieve pressure

Edward O’Neill, 54, was only five when he was caught up in UVF bomb attacks on Dublin and Monaghan, 50 years ago today, Friday 17 May.

The bombs killed 35 people including two unborn babies, leaving 250 injured.

His father was killed and he and his brother were badly injured, causing his mother to miscarry.

Edward has been part of lengthy legal campaigns to try and force the Irish state to open its files on the atrocity to victims.

He believes Garda have covered up the fact they had advance warning of the attack.

So he reacted with extreme scepticism after Deputy Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin said that all Irish Government held files in connection to the bombings should be released to inquiries.

Mr Martin said: “I’ve a general view that any files we have in Dublin, or within the Department of Justice or in An Garda Siochana should be released to all inquiries in respect of atrocities in Northern Ireland."

He did not make any actual promises, nor say the files would be released to victims.

Reacting to his comment, Mr O'Neill said Mr Martin’s “pants are on fire”.

"Unfortunately I have had too much experience dealing with politicians,” Mr O’Neill responded.

“This is a sound bite to relieve pressure from the Irish Government on the 50th anniversary. Tomorrow it will be all forgotten, just as the victims have been for 50 years."

Having campaigned for decades to see Irish state files about the UVF bombings, he has grown very sceptical of politicians "especially in relation to this issue".

He added: "Quite simply I don’t believe a word he is saying.”

In 2007 the Irish McEntee commission tried to investigate the bombings but said it had been hampered by the loss or destruction of an unquantifiable number of garda documents.

The Irish government persistently refused to release the McEntee files to the victims, despite protracted legal battles.

The UK investigation into alleged collusion between loyalists and the UK in the bombings - Operation Denton - will report next year.

Ken Funston, who previously worked as advocacy manager with victims group the South East Fermanagh Foundation, was equally sceptical about the Irish state opening up files.

"They speak with a forked tongue," he told the News Letter.

"Aesthetically these statements sound good, however the reality is somewhat different.

"When I worked for SEFF, I received numerous promises from the Irish Department of Justice that were never delivered on.

"The Garda Ombudsman either ignored me or had meaningless meetings that were never delivered upon. Even the families of murdered Garda have never had their questions or enquiries answered.

"The Dublin and Monaghan bombings were horrendous atrocities and the families deserve answers. However, so do the families of the Kingsmill atrocity and others. When difficult questions were asked of the Irish authorities, they were found wanting."