OMAGH VISIT ON CLINTON'S AGENDA
Omagh visit 'on Clinton's agenda'
By Martina Purdy
PRESIDENT Bill Clinton may make an emotional visit to the devastated town of Omagh when he arrives in Northern Ireland next month, it was revealed today.
The news came as pressure mounted for the Government to follow the Republic's lead in strengthening anti-terrorist laws.
First Minister David Trimble has written to the Prime Minister requesting an urgent recall of Parliament.
Mr Trimble, together with his deputy, Seamus Mallon, is to meet Taoiseach Bertie Ahern tomorrow in Dublin for further talks.
The move follows security discussions yesterday between Mr Trimble and Mr Blair. The Prime Minister also consulted with the Taoiseach and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.
Although there are no firm plans for Mr Clinton's visit, a senior government source confirmed that a visit to Omagh was being discussed.
The source said that before any decision is taken, there will have to be consultation with town's residents.
The one-day visit by the President on September 3 is expected to include Belfast and a location outside the city.
Meanwhile, Mr Trimble last night said it was "imperative" the British Government was seen to be acting as decisively as the Irish after the bomb outrage.
He also called for the reinstatement of internment. However, it is unlikely to be re-introduced by the Government, according to Northern Ireland Office sources.
Mr Blair last night gave his support to the introduction of tough new anti-terrorist measures.
Applauding the Irish government's lead, Mr Blair pledged a similar package of legal and security reforms in Ulster.
Speaking from France where he is on holiday, he said he wanted to see the most , "stringent ever security-measures" on both sides of the border.
By Martina Purdy
PRESIDENT Bill Clinton may make an emotional visit to the devastated town of Omagh when he arrives in Northern Ireland next month, it was revealed today.
The news came as pressure mounted for the Government to follow the Republic's lead in strengthening anti-terrorist laws.
First Minister David Trimble has written to the Prime Minister requesting an urgent recall of Parliament.
Mr Trimble, together with his deputy, Seamus Mallon, is to meet Taoiseach Bertie Ahern tomorrow in Dublin for further talks.
The move follows security discussions yesterday between Mr Trimble and Mr Blair. The Prime Minister also consulted with the Taoiseach and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.
Although there are no firm plans for Mr Clinton's visit, a senior government source confirmed that a visit to Omagh was being discussed.
The source said that before any decision is taken, there will have to be consultation with town's residents.
The one-day visit by the President on September 3 is expected to include Belfast and a location outside the city.
Meanwhile, Mr Trimble last night said it was "imperative" the British Government was seen to be acting as decisively as the Irish after the bomb outrage.
He also called for the reinstatement of internment. However, it is unlikely to be re-introduced by the Government, according to Northern Ireland Office sources.
Mr Blair last night gave his support to the introduction of tough new anti-terrorist measures.
Applauding the Irish government's lead, Mr Blair pledged a similar package of legal and security reforms in Ulster.
Speaking from France where he is on holiday, he said he wanted to see the most , "stringent ever security-measures" on both sides of the border.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0146
Published Date: 21-Aug-98
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