TAOISEACH'S VISITS BUNCRANA FAMILIES
Taoiseach's visits Buncrana families
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, who visited the family homes of the three young Buncrana boys killed in the Omagh bomb blast on Wednesday afternoon, spoke of his determination about keeping the peace process on track.
Talking to reporters after speaking with the parents of 12 year old James Barker, Victor and Donna-Marie, Mr. Ahern said "Mr. Barker was explaining to me why they had moved here. He was talking to me about the Good Friday Agreement and how they were so happy that it seemed as if it was the end of it all.
"They are devastated but he is very grateful to all the local people here. The family is really appreciative of the support they have got from the entire neighbourhood here. I gave my sympathies on behalf of the Irish Government and assured them that we were doing all that we could to try and bring all of this to an end."
The Taoiseach, who travelled to Buncrana via helicopter along with Minister for Sport, Tourism and Recreation, James McDaid, was told by the Madrid students that they will stay on in Buncrana until the end of next week their original departure date.It is understood that only one of the 21 Spanish students in the Inishowen town opted to return home early.
After spending some time with the students, he said: "It is horrendous but funny in a strange way that each one of them said they did not want to give up their study programme and see it through. In much the same way, we cannot allow ourselves to be put off by what has happened. We must continue to ensure that the peace process succeeds."
Those taking part in the exchange student programme, which began ten years ago, joined with pupils from Scoil losagain in forming guards of honour at yesterday's funerals.
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, who visited the family homes of the three young Buncrana boys killed in the Omagh bomb blast on Wednesday afternoon, spoke of his determination about keeping the peace process on track.
Talking to reporters after speaking with the parents of 12 year old James Barker, Victor and Donna-Marie, Mr. Ahern said "Mr. Barker was explaining to me why they had moved here. He was talking to me about the Good Friday Agreement and how they were so happy that it seemed as if it was the end of it all.
"They are devastated but he is very grateful to all the local people here. The family is really appreciative of the support they have got from the entire neighbourhood here. I gave my sympathies on behalf of the Irish Government and assured them that we were doing all that we could to try and bring all of this to an end."
The Taoiseach, who travelled to Buncrana via helicopter along with Minister for Sport, Tourism and Recreation, James McDaid, was told by the Madrid students that they will stay on in Buncrana until the end of next week their original departure date.It is understood that only one of the 21 Spanish students in the Inishowen town opted to return home early.
After spending some time with the students, he said: "It is horrendous but funny in a strange way that each one of them said they did not want to give up their study programme and see it through. In much the same way, we cannot allow ourselves to be put off by what has happened. We must continue to ensure that the peace process succeeds."
Those taking part in the exchange student programme, which began ten years ago, joined with pupils from Scoil losagain in forming guards of honour at yesterday's funerals.
Further Information
Publisher: DONEGAL DEMOCRAT
Ref: DOD/015
Published Date: 20-Aug-98
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