Speaking after the talks, Mr Rusche said: "We discussed the atrocity in Omagh.

Lawrence Rushe: hard to be face to face with Adams

"We discussed the perpetrators of this and how they might be brought to justice.

"There was a great reluctance, in actual fact, to meet with Gerry Adams, for various reasons from grief to dislike of his policies."

After the meeting, Mr Adams said he wanted time to reflect.

"Obviously my sympathy and the sympathy of Sinn Fein is with the victims and the families of Omagh.

"I've listened very intently to what has been said and I want to go off and reflect on that.

"I really have nothing to add to that at this time."

International courts

On Monday the Omagh Support and Self-Help Group announced they would take their case to the international courts.

They believe the explosion breached international law, as well as the Geneva Convention.

They hope the international forum could help republicans give evidence.

Speaking on Monday, Victor Barker, the father of 12-year-old victim James Barker, had said the republican movement should help catch the perpetrators.

"If Mr Adams and Mr McGuinness really are men of peace, why can't they come forward and ensure that information is given to bring these people to justice?

"I think it's time Mr Adams and Mr McGuinness put history behind them and started looking forward to the future."