The bombs were deliberately left at locations where they would cause maximum effect. When exploded they would kill, maim and leave the families of those killed and injured with a terrible burden and physical and psychological scars which would last for years.

As the bombers set about their terrible work, they planned the bombings to detonate simultaneously so as, in the wicked parlance of these monsters, to maximise the effect.

As the scare unfolded in London yesterday and a dreadful tragedy was avoided, ones thoughts were inexorably drawn to an earlier terrorist outrage which sadly was not averted. Gordon Brown in measured tones commented on the need to be vigilant and government security officials expressed a determination to seek out the perpetrators. However their indignation although in the circumstances justifiable is by the same token hypocritical.

On May 17 1974 at 5.30pm three car bombs exploded almost simultaneously in Dublin at Parnell Street, Talbot Street, and South Leinster Street. Twenty-three died in these explosions and three others died as a result of injuries over the following few days. The first of the three Dublin bombs went off at approximately 5.28pm in Parnell Street. Eleven people died as a result of this explosion. The second of the Dublin bombs went off at approximately 5.30pm in Talbot Street. Fourteen people died in this explosion. The third bomb went off at approximately 5.32pm in South Leinster Street. Two people were killed in this explosion.

Ninety minutes later one more car bomb exploded in North Road, Monaghan, County Monaghan just south of the border with Northern Ireland. This bomb killed five people initially, with another two dying in the following weeks. Some accounts give 34 or 35 dead; 34 by including the child of Collette Doherty who was nine months pregnant, and 35 by including the later still-born child of Edward and Martha O'Neill. Edward was killed, Martha survived.

By any appalling standard used to measure terrorist outrages in western Europe in recent years this was, at the time, one of the worst.

It has been well known for years that those who perpetrated these bombings were a pseudo-gang of loyalist paramilitary's sustained and supported by the British Security Services.

Successive British governments and Ministers up to and including the Blair government have consistently failed to provide information which would enable those Security forces personnel, and government officials, who colluded in this outrage to be brought to justice.

As the British government and people heave a sigh of relief that yesterday's attempted bombing was averted they should spare a thought for those who died or suffered and in some instances are still suffering after the Dublin bombings . Like yesterdays London bombers, it is not too late to ensure those guilty of the murder and mayhem in Dublin and Monaghan in 1974 are brought to justice.

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

30/06/07

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