SF SLAMS NO CAMP
SF slams no camp
By Seamus McKinney
Derry Correspondent
SINN Fein's Martin McGuinness has strongly attacked those responsible for the Omagh bombing which claimed 29 lives.
In an end-of-year message, Mr McGuinness claimed "republican rejectionists" consistently attempted to derail the peace process.
"It was only a matter of time until their recklessness and lack of political vision ended in tragedy.
"Unfortunately none could foretell the enormity of the tragedy they would visit upon an unsuspecting public in Omagh on August 15," he said.
But Mr McGuinness added the atrocity brought hope when the people of Omagh called on politicians to make the peace process work.
"Their dignity was inspirational. It is now incumbent on all pro-agreement politicians to build a monument worthy of that dignity and inspiration by redoubling our efforts to find a lasting peace."
Mr McGuinness detailed the progress of the last year, from the sectarian murders of 11 Catholics at the start of the year to the Good Friday agreement.
He went on to criticise unionists who refused to accept the "fundamental political and constitutional change contained in the agreement."
The Derry politician accused anti-agreement unionists of using the marching season to whip up sectarian tension, culminating in the murder of the three Quinn children in Ballymena.
And he warned that there were those now trying to rewrite the agreement despite fighting for its endorsement.
He added David Trimble had decided, once elected, to frustrate the entire process at every opportunity in a bid to "achieve by stealth" what he was unable to achieve in negotiation.
By Seamus McKinney
Derry Correspondent
SINN Fein's Martin McGuinness has strongly attacked those responsible for the Omagh bombing which claimed 29 lives.
In an end-of-year message, Mr McGuinness claimed "republican rejectionists" consistently attempted to derail the peace process.
"It was only a matter of time until their recklessness and lack of political vision ended in tragedy.
"Unfortunately none could foretell the enormity of the tragedy they would visit upon an unsuspecting public in Omagh on August 15," he said.
But Mr McGuinness added the atrocity brought hope when the people of Omagh called on politicians to make the peace process work.
"Their dignity was inspirational. It is now incumbent on all pro-agreement politicians to build a monument worthy of that dignity and inspiration by redoubling our efforts to find a lasting peace."
Mr McGuinness detailed the progress of the last year, from the sectarian murders of 11 Catholics at the start of the year to the Good Friday agreement.
He went on to criticise unionists who refused to accept the "fundamental political and constitutional change contained in the agreement."
The Derry politician accused anti-agreement unionists of using the marching season to whip up sectarian tension, culminating in the murder of the three Quinn children in Ballymena.
And he warned that there were those now trying to rewrite the agreement despite fighting for its endorsement.
He added David Trimble had decided, once elected, to frustrate the entire process at every opportunity in a bid to "achieve by stealth" what he was unable to achieve in negotiation.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0266
Published Date: 31-Dec-98
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