OMAGH VICTIMS DESERVE MORE
Omagh victims deserve more
IRELAND has far too many bleak anniversaries. Every month of the year has a special meaning for thousands of groups of grieving relatives who have lost loved ones through evil acts of violence. However, there will be something particularly poignant about tomorrow's commemorations, 12 months after the horror of Omagh.
It was not simply the sheer scale of the carnage which continues to arouse such strong reactions but also the sense of disbelief that such a bombing could take place at that particular stage in our history.
Last spring and summer had seen some of the most significant political developments of the last 30 years, through the Good Friday agreement, its subsequently approval by referendum and, finally, the elections for the new assembly.
Although violence had not disappeared, as the murder of the Quinn children and other attacks proved, there was a clear feeling at this time last year that a lasting peace was closer than ever.
Hopes of a permanent settlement could easily have been finally shattered by the Omagh explosion.
Instead, thanks to the courage and resolution of the people of the town, the political process survived and was even arguably strengthened for a period.
The way in which family after family buried their dead and insisted that the momentum towards peace must continue was deeply moving.
Indeed, the image of David Trimble being applauded by Catholic mourners at the funerals of the three children in Buncrana, Co Donegal, was one of the most powerful of the last 30 years.
It is extremely frustrating that the first anniversary of the bomb finds the divisions among the main parties over the way forward as wide as ever.
In retrospect, both unionists and republicans missed unique opportunities in the aftermath of the outrage.
Unionists should have recognised that the bombers were determined to destroy the Good Friday agreement and any prospect of partnership in government between the two traditions.
The best answer to the Real IRA and all those prepared to engage in the use of force would have been to establish the Stormont executive and thereby ensure the creation of an administration representing the vast majority of ordinary citizens.
This task would have been made immeasurably easier if republicans had simultaneously faced up to their responsibilities over decommissioning. The Omagh bomb may have been the work of dissident elements but it had grave implications for the mainstream republicans.
Those who planted the device plainly had a previous history of involvement with the Provisional IRA, and may well have used materials taken from the stockpiles of that organisation.
The appropriate response from republicans would have been to accept the need for an immediate gesture on decommissioning
It was highly unfortunate that unionists and republicans each failed to take those decisive steps in the days after Omagh.
Both groups remain deadlocked, and some fresh thinking will be required if the gulf is to be bridged.
Tomorrow's anniversary demands that all sides should reflect fully on the futility of violence.
This requires not just words but deeds. The victims of Omagh deserve nothing less.
IRELAND has far too many bleak anniversaries. Every month of the year has a special meaning for thousands of groups of grieving relatives who have lost loved ones through evil acts of violence. However, there will be something particularly poignant about tomorrow's commemorations, 12 months after the horror of Omagh.
It was not simply the sheer scale of the carnage which continues to arouse such strong reactions but also the sense of disbelief that such a bombing could take place at that particular stage in our history.
Last spring and summer had seen some of the most significant political developments of the last 30 years, through the Good Friday agreement, its subsequently approval by referendum and, finally, the elections for the new assembly.
Although violence had not disappeared, as the murder of the Quinn children and other attacks proved, there was a clear feeling at this time last year that a lasting peace was closer than ever.
Hopes of a permanent settlement could easily have been finally shattered by the Omagh explosion.
Instead, thanks to the courage and resolution of the people of the town, the political process survived and was even arguably strengthened for a period.
The way in which family after family buried their dead and insisted that the momentum towards peace must continue was deeply moving.
Indeed, the image of David Trimble being applauded by Catholic mourners at the funerals of the three children in Buncrana, Co Donegal, was one of the most powerful of the last 30 years.
It is extremely frustrating that the first anniversary of the bomb finds the divisions among the main parties over the way forward as wide as ever.
In retrospect, both unionists and republicans missed unique opportunities in the aftermath of the outrage.
Unionists should have recognised that the bombers were determined to destroy the Good Friday agreement and any prospect of partnership in government between the two traditions.
The best answer to the Real IRA and all those prepared to engage in the use of force would have been to establish the Stormont executive and thereby ensure the creation of an administration representing the vast majority of ordinary citizens.
This task would have been made immeasurably easier if republicans had simultaneously faced up to their responsibilities over decommissioning. The Omagh bomb may have been the work of dissident elements but it had grave implications for the mainstream republicans.
Those who planted the device plainly had a previous history of involvement with the Provisional IRA, and may well have used materials taken from the stockpiles of that organisation.
The appropriate response from republicans would have been to accept the need for an immediate gesture on decommissioning
It was highly unfortunate that unionists and republicans each failed to take those decisive steps in the days after Omagh.
Both groups remain deadlocked, and some fresh thinking will be required if the gulf is to be bridged.
Tomorrow's anniversary demands that all sides should reflect fully on the futility of violence.
This requires not just words but deeds. The victims of Omagh deserve nothing less.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0314
Published Date: 14-Aug-99
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