Owing to present imperfect legal relief system, real damages to the victim by infringement of false advertisement are often not redressed, although theoretically relief is accessible to the victim.

Since the child had made no real economic contribution to the family, there was no liability for damages.

That means damages could be sought from anyone who was on the council then, or from the Real IRA itself—a possibility the families’ solicitor said they would “pursue vigorously”.