GOVERNMENT IS FORGETTING US
The Government is forgetting us, says bomb victim's dad
By Una Bradley
THE father of one of the Omagh bomb victims today accused the Government of "leaving us to become just another forgotten tragedy".
Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aidan was killed in the blast, called on the authorities to immediately compensate those bereaved by the August 15 tragedy.
"Nothing can make up for the loss of my lad," he said. "But there are people who cannot go back to work.
"They need training and support - they cannot survive on �53 a week on the sick.
"We should not have to go looking for help - it's humiliating and insensitive considering what we've already been through."
Meanwhile, the Omagh Fund is in danger of drying up as other tragedies overshadow it, its manager Brian Oliphant warned today.
Funds had stopped far short of the target �12m, with just �860,000 raised to date.
And fundraisers are afraid of hitting a ceiling as media interest in the tragedy waned, Mr Oliphant said.
However, it is hoped a new CD released tomorrow would provide a much-needed cash injection.
Entitled Across The Bridge of Hope, the album features Sinead O'Connor, Van Morrison, The Divine Comedy, Boyzone and The Corrs.
And up to �lm has been pledged to the Fund - including the proceeds of a star-studded golf tournament organised by Ulster professional Darren Clarke.
A controversial television programmed screen shortly after the bombing was under scrutiny by the Broadcasting Standards Commission, it can be revealed today.
Campaigners welcomed the decision and called on Carlton Television to make a public apology for its controversial show, Thursday Night Live.
By Una Bradley
THE father of one of the Omagh bomb victims today accused the Government of "leaving us to become just another forgotten tragedy".
Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aidan was killed in the blast, called on the authorities to immediately compensate those bereaved by the August 15 tragedy.
"Nothing can make up for the loss of my lad," he said. "But there are people who cannot go back to work.
"They need training and support - they cannot survive on �53 a week on the sick.
"We should not have to go looking for help - it's humiliating and insensitive considering what we've already been through."
Meanwhile, the Omagh Fund is in danger of drying up as other tragedies overshadow it, its manager Brian Oliphant warned today.
Funds had stopped far short of the target �12m, with just �860,000 raised to date.
And fundraisers are afraid of hitting a ceiling as media interest in the tragedy waned, Mr Oliphant said.
However, it is hoped a new CD released tomorrow would provide a much-needed cash injection.
Entitled Across The Bridge of Hope, the album features Sinead O'Connor, Van Morrison, The Divine Comedy, Boyzone and The Corrs.
And up to �lm has been pledged to the Fund - including the proceeds of a star-studded golf tournament organised by Ulster professional Darren Clarke.
A controversial television programmed screen shortly after the bombing was under scrutiny by the Broadcasting Standards Commission, it can be revealed today.
Campaigners welcomed the decision and called on Carlton Television to make a public apology for its controversial show, Thursday Night Live.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0517
Published Date: 24-Nov-98
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