Stardust relatives in second inquest hope

Families of 48 victims seeking closure over 1981 fire

THE Attorney General is to consider a second Stardust inquest, which could bring closure for victims’ relatives.

A total of 48 young people died in the Stardust nightclub’s Valentine’s night disco fire in 1981 in Dublin’s Artane but families have never rested in their long campaign for justice for their loved ones.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has now been informed by legal representatives acting on behalf of the families that they have formally petitioned the Attorney General to order a second inquest under the provisions of Section 24 of the Coroners Act 1962. The route could allow for the formal clearing of the names of the victims after the original tribunal of inquiry chairman, Mr Justice Ronan Keane, ruled in 1982 he could not exclude the possibility of arson.

Mr Flanagan said: ‘The Stardust Tragedy: Charlie Flanagan fire was undoubtedly one of the greatest tragedies in the country’s history. I sympathise greatly with the families of the people tragically killed 37 years ago, for the terrible loss they suffered, and for their ongoing search for answers.’

But he said the matter of a second inquest was one for the Attorney General alone.

The Stardust Relatives and Victims Committee claims to have new and updated evidence that undermines much of Judge Keane’s report of the tribunal of inquiry. The material was passed last year to retired judge Pat McCartan to assess, but he concluded that no new inquiry was warranted.

The families believe the fire started earlier than found in the original report and as a result of

accidental chemical combustion in a storeroom above the dancefloor. They cite a taxi driver’s 999 call about flames on the roof before they were seen anywhere else in the premises.

The original report considered it probable that the fire could have begun in a bench seat on the disco, despite many survivors speaking of flames bursting down from the ceiling.

Mr Flanagan said he acknowledged that the judge’s independ-

ent report did not come to the conclusion relatives of victims would have wished.

But Solidarity TD Gino Kenny said that while there had been ‘37 years of pain’, the relatives had still not had closure or justice.

‘The Stardust families are looking for a new inquest into the deaths of their relatives,’ he said.

Mr Flanagan said his department remained committed to ‘engaging constructively with a view towards achieving a positive resolution’.

TD Mr Kenny said: ‘The relatives have further information and submissions to make. They at least deserve a new inquest into the deaths of their brothers, sisters and loved ones on that night.’

Sinn Féin said it supports another inquest, saying there are ‘a number of elements which were not properly pursued’ at the time.

Attorney General Séamus Woulfe is expected to shortly contact the lawyers acting on behalf of the families.

‘37 years of pain’