BUSINESS PUTS HUMAN COST OF BOMB FIRST
Business puts human cost of bomb blast first
By Francess McDonnell
THE human cost of the Omagh bomb was foremost in the minds of Northern Ireland's business community today.
Business leaders were united in their condemnation of the attack and sent messages of sympathy and support to the families who has lost loved ones and those injured in the bomb.
John Stringer, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, said the whole business community was "just shattered" by what had taken place in Omagh.
Mr Stringer said:"We are horrified beyond words. Chamber members throughout Northern Ireland are horrified. We have had calls today from throughout the province asking what people can do - it is too early yet but we want to help and we will do whatever we can.
"Our utmost sympathy goes out to the people of Omagh today and our thoughts are with bereaved families and those injured in the bomb blast.
"On behalf of the chamber and the business community I plead for no retaliation.
"What has happened flies in the face of the democratic wish of the people of Ireland - both north and south - and to fall into the trap
of retaliation will simply escalate an already tragic situation."
Mr Stringer said senior representatives from his organisation hope to meet with members of the Omagh chamber today to discuss how they can help them after the tragedy.
Ann Shaw, chairman of the Institute of Directors in Northern Ireland, echoed the chamber's call for no retaliation in the aftermath of the Omagh bomb.
Mrs Shaw said: "Our deepest sympathies go to all those who have been bereaved or injured. The murders in Omagh were callouslyplanned by evil people determined to ferment hatred, divide communities and undermine the democratically elected Assembly.
"I appeal to every employer, trade union official and worker to use their best intentions to thwart those evil wreckers, the workplace must remain free from talk of revenge and retaliation."
Leaders of the main trade unions in Northern Ireland also voiced their "absolute condemnation" of the events of the weekend.
Tom Gillen, acting Northern Ireland Officer of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions said people throughout the province were "appalled" at the outrage.
"We are currently holding talks with trade union officers from the Northern Ireland committee to discuss how we can give people an opportunity to express their grief.
"Many of our affiliated members provided the emergency services following the bomb and their work was a tribute to them, they gave of their all to help everyone who was caught up in this terrible tragedy," Mr Gillen said.
He said the trade union is very aware that people want to express their grief.
"Tomorrow we hope to bring together trade union officials from Omagh and other parts of the country to lay flowers as a sign of respect at the scene of the bomb.
"We are also in discussions with the Church authorities over proposals to hold a day of mourning. There is a sense of mourning in our community today and we want to play a role in helping people express the grief they share with the people of Omagh," Mr Gillen added.
By Francess McDonnell
THE human cost of the Omagh bomb was foremost in the minds of Northern Ireland's business community today.
Business leaders were united in their condemnation of the attack and sent messages of sympathy and support to the families who has lost loved ones and those injured in the bomb.
John Stringer, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, said the whole business community was "just shattered" by what had taken place in Omagh.
Mr Stringer said:"We are horrified beyond words. Chamber members throughout Northern Ireland are horrified. We have had calls today from throughout the province asking what people can do - it is too early yet but we want to help and we will do whatever we can.
"Our utmost sympathy goes out to the people of Omagh today and our thoughts are with bereaved families and those injured in the bomb blast.
"On behalf of the chamber and the business community I plead for no retaliation.
"What has happened flies in the face of the democratic wish of the people of Ireland - both north and south - and to fall into the trap
of retaliation will simply escalate an already tragic situation."
Mr Stringer said senior representatives from his organisation hope to meet with members of the Omagh chamber today to discuss how they can help them after the tragedy.
Ann Shaw, chairman of the Institute of Directors in Northern Ireland, echoed the chamber's call for no retaliation in the aftermath of the Omagh bomb.
Mrs Shaw said: "Our deepest sympathies go to all those who have been bereaved or injured. The murders in Omagh were callouslyplanned by evil people determined to ferment hatred, divide communities and undermine the democratically elected Assembly.
"I appeal to every employer, trade union official and worker to use their best intentions to thwart those evil wreckers, the workplace must remain free from talk of revenge and retaliation."
Leaders of the main trade unions in Northern Ireland also voiced their "absolute condemnation" of the events of the weekend.
Tom Gillen, acting Northern Ireland Officer of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions said people throughout the province were "appalled" at the outrage.
"We are currently holding talks with trade union officers from the Northern Ireland committee to discuss how we can give people an opportunity to express their grief.
"Many of our affiliated members provided the emergency services following the bomb and their work was a tribute to them, they gave of their all to help everyone who was caught up in this terrible tragedy," Mr Gillen said.
He said the trade union is very aware that people want to express their grief.
"Tomorrow we hope to bring together trade union officials from Omagh and other parts of the country to lay flowers as a sign of respect at the scene of the bomb.
"We are also in discussions with the Church authorities over proposals to hold a day of mourning. There is a sense of mourning in our community today and we want to play a role in helping people express the grief they share with the people of Omagh," Mr Gillen added.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0022
Published Date: 17-Aug-98
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