NEVER AGAIN
Never again
PEOPLE'S VOICE: Omagh must be the final turning point against violence
THE dead have been buried but the agony of Omagh continues to grip Northern Ireland. Tomorrow, this community will stand shoulder to shoulder to remember the victims of last Saturday's atrocity. Services and ceremonies in towns and villages will enable people throughout the province to reflect on the events of a horrendous week, and to pray for the bereaved and all those who were injured. Above all, tomorrow will provide an opportunity for ordinary people to show solidarity with everyone in Omagh.
While a wave of emotion has swept through the province this week, it must be hoped that the Omagh atrocity proves to be the final turning point about which so many have spoken. The Real IRA's attack has been met with united revulsion, enabling the Irish government to table stringent anti-terrorist measures, which are welcome.
The return to emergency legislation is in contrast with the objectives of the Good Friday agreement, which is designed to restore normality. Ironically, the Republic has some tougher laws in place than the United Kingdom, and legislation in Northern Ireland should now be reviewed to see what loopholes need closed.
No effort must be spared to bring those behind the Omagh bomb to justice, and to crack down on the Real IRA. Emergency legislation is an imperfect but necessary expedient to counter the threat posed by the dissident terrorist group. However, it should be noted that they could just as easily apply to any other paramilitary group which may be tempted to return to violence.
The hope must be that out of Omagh will come a consensus throughout this community as to how to deal with those who resort to terrorism. At present then is a popular groundswell of opinion for moves which would take the Real IRA off the streets. As the Taoiseach observes today, peace and democracy cannot be held to ransom.
Although the Real IRA claims to have suspended operations, we do not know what this sinister and shadowy organisation is planning. Its statement admitting responsibility was callous and Northern Ireland, as well as Britain, must remain on the alert. The extent of the split in the republican movement is matter for conjecture, and there is always the danger that more disillusioned militants will defect to the dissidents. The Real IRA must be thwarted, and thwarted quickly.
Next week, while Omagh continues to grieve for its loved ones, the focus will return to the peace process. The Good Friday agreement has survived, but it is difficult to gauge the extent to which the Omagh bombing will have influenced opinion for or against the accord. We would hope that the bloody events of last Saturday will have consolidated support for a new consensus across this community.
One of the most tangible signs that the past is done with - for ever - would be for the various paramilitary organisations to respond to public opinion and make immediate moves to decommission their arms. All the parties have condemned the Omagh bomb, and all the mainstream groups are on ceasefire. The next logical and compelling development is for them to begin to dismantle their armouries.
This week, the people of Omagh and further afield have been struggling to come to terms with dreadful events, and difficult days lie ahead for those most directly affected. Yet the flood of messages of support - which will reach a climax tomorrow - have been a source of encouragement for the future. With one voice, the people of Northern Ireland are joining together to send a simple message to those responsible - never again must there be an Omagh. Never again.
PEOPLE'S VOICE: Omagh must be the final turning point against violence
THE dead have been buried but the agony of Omagh continues to grip Northern Ireland. Tomorrow, this community will stand shoulder to shoulder to remember the victims of last Saturday's atrocity. Services and ceremonies in towns and villages will enable people throughout the province to reflect on the events of a horrendous week, and to pray for the bereaved and all those who were injured. Above all, tomorrow will provide an opportunity for ordinary people to show solidarity with everyone in Omagh.
While a wave of emotion has swept through the province this week, it must be hoped that the Omagh atrocity proves to be the final turning point about which so many have spoken. The Real IRA's attack has been met with united revulsion, enabling the Irish government to table stringent anti-terrorist measures, which are welcome.
The return to emergency legislation is in contrast with the objectives of the Good Friday agreement, which is designed to restore normality. Ironically, the Republic has some tougher laws in place than the United Kingdom, and legislation in Northern Ireland should now be reviewed to see what loopholes need closed.
No effort must be spared to bring those behind the Omagh bomb to justice, and to crack down on the Real IRA. Emergency legislation is an imperfect but necessary expedient to counter the threat posed by the dissident terrorist group. However, it should be noted that they could just as easily apply to any other paramilitary group which may be tempted to return to violence.
The hope must be that out of Omagh will come a consensus throughout this community as to how to deal with those who resort to terrorism. At present then is a popular groundswell of opinion for moves which would take the Real IRA off the streets. As the Taoiseach observes today, peace and democracy cannot be held to ransom.
Although the Real IRA claims to have suspended operations, we do not know what this sinister and shadowy organisation is planning. Its statement admitting responsibility was callous and Northern Ireland, as well as Britain, must remain on the alert. The extent of the split in the republican movement is matter for conjecture, and there is always the danger that more disillusioned militants will defect to the dissidents. The Real IRA must be thwarted, and thwarted quickly.
Next week, while Omagh continues to grieve for its loved ones, the focus will return to the peace process. The Good Friday agreement has survived, but it is difficult to gauge the extent to which the Omagh bombing will have influenced opinion for or against the accord. We would hope that the bloody events of last Saturday will have consolidated support for a new consensus across this community.
One of the most tangible signs that the past is done with - for ever - would be for the various paramilitary organisations to respond to public opinion and make immediate moves to decommission their arms. All the parties have condemned the Omagh bomb, and all the mainstream groups are on ceasefire. The next logical and compelling development is for them to begin to dismantle their armouries.
This week, the people of Omagh and further afield have been struggling to come to terms with dreadful events, and difficult days lie ahead for those most directly affected. Yet the flood of messages of support - which will reach a climax tomorrow - have been a source of encouragement for the future. With one voice, the people of Northern Ireland are joining together to send a simple message to those responsible - never again must there be an Omagh. Never again.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0167
Published Date: 21-Aug-98
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.