INTERNMENT RULED OUT BY SDLP LEADER
Internment ruled out by SDLP leader
By EUGENE MOLONEY in OMAGH
SDLP leader John Hume said he did not believe internment was an option likely to be introduced by the British and Irish governments.
Speaking after visiting the hospital in Omagh and the scene of Saturday's bombing, he said he believed that whatever the two governments decided to do on the security front would have the full backing of the communities north and south of the border.
Commenting on the bombing, he said: "No way is this going to derail in any shape, form or fashion the peace process.
Asked about the issue of internment he said: "I don't believe internment is what they will do''.
Mr Hume said: "There are better ways of bringing people to absolute and total justice. In the modern world there are ways which are much more developed than in the past.''
The SDLP leader said it was ironic that prior to Saturday's tragedy there had been talk of closing some regional hospitals.
Paying tribute to the staff of Tyrone County hospital in Omagh, he said: "This hospital has demonstrated its total commitment to this community.''
He added that the death toll could only strengthen the will of the people that those responsible be brought to justice.
John McKinney, Chief Executive of Omagh District Council said that an effort would be made to get the business community of Omagh back on its feet.
But he told how within the town and county the effect of the devastation had been widely felt.
Meanwhile SDLP members of Cookstown Council said last night there was no point addressing comments at those who carried out the bombing. "Their only aim is to continue with a callous campaign of violence, to wreck and destroy irrespective of how many innocents suffer,'' the group said.
"Every effort must be made to remove these people from society and put them behind bars,'' said the statement which was signed by Mary Baker, Denis Haughey, James McGarvey and Patsy McGlone.
"The only immediate comfort we can individually offer is that of our sincerest condolences and prayers. Our hearts go out to all those experiencing so much loss and hurt as a result of this sheer mass murder,'' the SDLP councillors said.
A Book of Condolence was yesterday opened by Cookstown Council.
By EUGENE MOLONEY in OMAGH
SDLP leader John Hume said he did not believe internment was an option likely to be introduced by the British and Irish governments.
Speaking after visiting the hospital in Omagh and the scene of Saturday's bombing, he said he believed that whatever the two governments decided to do on the security front would have the full backing of the communities north and south of the border.
Commenting on the bombing, he said: "No way is this going to derail in any shape, form or fashion the peace process.
Asked about the issue of internment he said: "I don't believe internment is what they will do''.
Mr Hume said: "There are better ways of bringing people to absolute and total justice. In the modern world there are ways which are much more developed than in the past.''
The SDLP leader said it was ironic that prior to Saturday's tragedy there had been talk of closing some regional hospitals.
Paying tribute to the staff of Tyrone County hospital in Omagh, he said: "This hospital has demonstrated its total commitment to this community.''
He added that the death toll could only strengthen the will of the people that those responsible be brought to justice.
John McKinney, Chief Executive of Omagh District Council said that an effort would be made to get the business community of Omagh back on its feet.
But he told how within the town and county the effect of the devastation had been widely felt.
Meanwhile SDLP members of Cookstown Council said last night there was no point addressing comments at those who carried out the bombing. "Their only aim is to continue with a callous campaign of violence, to wreck and destroy irrespective of how many innocents suffer,'' the group said.
"Every effort must be made to remove these people from society and put them behind bars,'' said the statement which was signed by Mary Baker, Denis Haughey, James McGarvey and Patsy McGlone.
"The only immediate comfort we can individually offer is that of our sincerest condolences and prayers. Our hearts go out to all those experiencing so much loss and hurt as a result of this sheer mass murder,'' the SDLP councillors said.
A Book of Condolence was yesterday opened by Cookstown Council.
Further Information
Publisher: IRISH INDEPENDENT
Ref: II/042
Published Date: 18-Aug-98
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