PRESIDENT MUST NOT HIJACK OMAGH'S GRIEF
President 'must not hijack Omagh's grief '
By Janet Devlin
A NOTE of discord today crept into US President Bill Clinton's plans for a visit to Omagh during his whirlwind trip to Northern Ireland.
Mr Clinton, still red-faced over the Monica Lewinsky affair, intends touring the bomb-hit town when he arrives next Thursday.
It is thought wife Hillary, to whom he apologised for his infidelity live on American television, and Prime Minister Tony Blair will accompany him.
In an advance visit, the American ambassador to the UK Philip Lader said Mr Clinton will make "very strong statements about the importance of the Good Friday Agreement and its full implementation".
Pressure on the political process is mounting after a warning on IRA arms from First Minister David Trimble.
The Ulster Unionist leader said that it was "inconceivable" that his party should sit alongside Sinn Fein in the body without a "credible" start of decommissioning.
In Omagh today, at least one prominent resident said he thought Mr Clinton should stay away.
DUP councillor Oliver Gibson, whose cousin's daughter Esther was among the 28 killed, said the visit could "hijack" the grief of the community.
"While I acknowledge the contribution he has made in his own way, we have to make sure our grief is not used to smother his problems and I think any visit should be postponed or even turned into some form of practical help," he said.
However, Omagh District Council chairman Sean Clarke said no one in the council had voiced any strong objections to the visit to him.
"Obviously I am not happy that Mr Clinton is coming to the town in these circumstances, but I'm sure he'll get a warm welcome," said the Sinn Fein councillor.
"We do not know at this stage exactly where the President will be going, but I am anticipating he will want to meet members of some of the families of the bereaved."
By Janet Devlin
A NOTE of discord today crept into US President Bill Clinton's plans for a visit to Omagh during his whirlwind trip to Northern Ireland.
Mr Clinton, still red-faced over the Monica Lewinsky affair, intends touring the bomb-hit town when he arrives next Thursday.
It is thought wife Hillary, to whom he apologised for his infidelity live on American television, and Prime Minister Tony Blair will accompany him.
In an advance visit, the American ambassador to the UK Philip Lader said Mr Clinton will make "very strong statements about the importance of the Good Friday Agreement and its full implementation".
Pressure on the political process is mounting after a warning on IRA arms from First Minister David Trimble.
The Ulster Unionist leader said that it was "inconceivable" that his party should sit alongside Sinn Fein in the body without a "credible" start of decommissioning.
In Omagh today, at least one prominent resident said he thought Mr Clinton should stay away.
DUP councillor Oliver Gibson, whose cousin's daughter Esther was among the 28 killed, said the visit could "hijack" the grief of the community.
"While I acknowledge the contribution he has made in his own way, we have to make sure our grief is not used to smother his problems and I think any visit should be postponed or even turned into some form of practical help," he said.
However, Omagh District Council chairman Sean Clarke said no one in the council had voiced any strong objections to the visit to him.
"Obviously I am not happy that Mr Clinton is coming to the town in these circumstances, but I'm sure he'll get a warm welcome," said the Sinn Fein councillor.
"We do not know at this stage exactly where the President will be going, but I am anticipating he will want to meet members of some of the families of the bereaved."
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0287
Published Date: 27-Aug-98
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