TRIMBLE CALLS FOR NATIONAL DAY TO MOURN
Trimble calls for national day to mourn
First Minister David Trimble called last night for a national day of mourning as a mark of respect fro the 28 victims of the Omagh massacre.
"This bomb would not have been made or detonated if Sinn Fein/IRA had handed over its explosives and weapons," he declared. "Sinn Fein cannot escape responsibility in this bloody atrocity. Had it honoured its commitment we would not now be preparing to follow the coffins of the victims."
Later, after a two-hour meeting with Premier Tony Blair at Hillsborough Castle, he declared: "I believe there is a will within this society shared by Unionists and nationalists, Catholics and Protestants, and including some who would identify themselves as republicans, to see an end to things of this nature."
He was glad of Mr Blair's visit because he had the power to act.
"I am glad Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has taken an interest in the matter too, and expressed himself in the way he has because we know those responsible are operating from his territory and it is also citizens of his state that have been injured and killed in this atrocity."
On today's meeting between RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan and Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne, the First Minster said he was sure anything they suggested would be endorsed by the political leadership of the prime minister and Taoiseach. "The matter is in their court," he added.
First Minister David Trimble called last night for a national day of mourning as a mark of respect fro the 28 victims of the Omagh massacre.
"This bomb would not have been made or detonated if Sinn Fein/IRA had handed over its explosives and weapons," he declared. "Sinn Fein cannot escape responsibility in this bloody atrocity. Had it honoured its commitment we would not now be preparing to follow the coffins of the victims."
Later, after a two-hour meeting with Premier Tony Blair at Hillsborough Castle, he declared: "I believe there is a will within this society shared by Unionists and nationalists, Catholics and Protestants, and including some who would identify themselves as republicans, to see an end to things of this nature."
He was glad of Mr Blair's visit because he had the power to act.
"I am glad Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has taken an interest in the matter too, and expressed himself in the way he has because we know those responsible are operating from his territory and it is also citizens of his state that have been injured and killed in this atrocity."
On today's meeting between RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan and Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne, the First Minster said he was sure anything they suggested would be endorsed by the political leadership of the prime minister and Taoiseach. "The matter is in their court," he added.
Further Information
Publisher: IRISH INDEPENDENT
Ref: II/016
Published Date: 17-Aug-98
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