WE'LL WALK EVERY STEP WITH YOU
We'll walk every step with you
By Peter McVerry
THE prospect of lasting peace in Northern Ireland is no longer an idle dream. President Clinton told the ecstatic crowd who welcomed him to Armagh last night.
The American president was addressing the crowd - estimated at between 5,000 and 10,000 - who packed into the city's Mall for the final engagement in his day-long visit to the province.
President Clinton, clearly emotional after an earlier visit to Omagh, received a hero's welcome from the audience at the peace rally.
The president revealed that nowadays when he travelled to conflict-torn societies, he highlighted Northern Ireland as an example of what could be achieved in the search for peace.
But he also warned that the Omagh atrocity would not be" the only challenge to the peace process."
He said: "It is high time somebody told those people that we are through with war, through with hatred, through with destruction - it will not work anymore.
"The people of Northern Ireland have chosen the path of peace and .America will keep its pledge to walk every step of the way with you.''
Backing those sentiments Prime Minister Tony Blair said the relatives of those killed in the Omagh bombing had begged him to ensure that a lasting peace could be established in memory of the victims.
He said: "Even amidst their most deep and profound grief they said don't let this be in vain.
"They said stick at it, keep at it, make it work, see it through.
"The future will be a future of peace, harmony and mutual respect. '
"Together we can do it. Together we are going to do it," he added.
The two leaders were joined on the platform by Hillary Clinton. First Minister Designate David Trimble. Deputy First Minister Designate Seamus Mallon. Secretary of State Mo Mowlam, Mayor of Armagh Robert Turner and Keady teenager Sharon Haughey.
Sharon, who introduced the president to the crowd, had written to Mr Clinton in 1995 urging him to do all he could to achieve peace.
The first of the crowd began to filter into the Mall from early afternoon with thousands of children eager to catch a glimpse of the most powerful man in the world.
Entertainment was provided by a host of local musicians, a cross-community choir and folk singer Mary Black, while children from schools on both sides of the sectarian divide also save a number of readings as everyone waited patiently for the guest of honour to fly in.
The presidential cavalcade eventually arrived in the provinces ecclesiastical capital shortly before 7pm and immediately headed for a meeting with the leaders of the four main churches.
The party took to the platform shortly before 7.45pm with addresses from Robert Turner. David Trimble. Seamus Mallon. Bill Clinton and Tony Blair. After the speeches the speakers descended the steps to the steel barriers, shaking hands and speaking with scores of those who had waited for almost five hours in the hope of a brief word.
Following the I0-minute walkabout, President Clinton and his wife then boarded the presidential helicopter Marine One for the flight to Dublin and a further round of engagements today.
By Peter McVerry
THE prospect of lasting peace in Northern Ireland is no longer an idle dream. President Clinton told the ecstatic crowd who welcomed him to Armagh last night.
The American president was addressing the crowd - estimated at between 5,000 and 10,000 - who packed into the city's Mall for the final engagement in his day-long visit to the province.
President Clinton, clearly emotional after an earlier visit to Omagh, received a hero's welcome from the audience at the peace rally.
The president revealed that nowadays when he travelled to conflict-torn societies, he highlighted Northern Ireland as an example of what could be achieved in the search for peace.
But he also warned that the Omagh atrocity would not be" the only challenge to the peace process."
He said: "It is high time somebody told those people that we are through with war, through with hatred, through with destruction - it will not work anymore.
"The people of Northern Ireland have chosen the path of peace and .America will keep its pledge to walk every step of the way with you.''
Backing those sentiments Prime Minister Tony Blair said the relatives of those killed in the Omagh bombing had begged him to ensure that a lasting peace could be established in memory of the victims.
He said: "Even amidst their most deep and profound grief they said don't let this be in vain.
"They said stick at it, keep at it, make it work, see it through.
"The future will be a future of peace, harmony and mutual respect. '
"Together we can do it. Together we are going to do it," he added.
The two leaders were joined on the platform by Hillary Clinton. First Minister Designate David Trimble. Deputy First Minister Designate Seamus Mallon. Secretary of State Mo Mowlam, Mayor of Armagh Robert Turner and Keady teenager Sharon Haughey.
Sharon, who introduced the president to the crowd, had written to Mr Clinton in 1995 urging him to do all he could to achieve peace.
The first of the crowd began to filter into the Mall from early afternoon with thousands of children eager to catch a glimpse of the most powerful man in the world.
Entertainment was provided by a host of local musicians, a cross-community choir and folk singer Mary Black, while children from schools on both sides of the sectarian divide also save a number of readings as everyone waited patiently for the guest of honour to fly in.
The presidential cavalcade eventually arrived in the provinces ecclesiastical capital shortly before 7pm and immediately headed for a meeting with the leaders of the four main churches.
The party took to the platform shortly before 7.45pm with addresses from Robert Turner. David Trimble. Seamus Mallon. Bill Clinton and Tony Blair. After the speeches the speakers descended the steps to the steel barriers, shaking hands and speaking with scores of those who had waited for almost five hours in the hope of a brief word.
Following the I0-minute walkabout, President Clinton and his wife then boarded the presidential helicopter Marine One for the flight to Dublin and a further round of engagements today.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0647
Published Date: 04-Sep-98
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