OFFICIAL QUITS TO SUPPORT OMAGH
Official quits to support Omagh
By Valerie Robinson
A senior health and social services official has resigned his place on the Sentences Review Commission to devote more time to helping the people of bomb-stricken Omagh.
David Bolton is the director of community care and executive director of social work with the Sperrin Lakeland and Social Care Trust - the body which was "centrally involved in the hospital and community responses to the Omagh bombing".
He advised Secretary of State Mo Mowlam yesterday about his decision to quit the commission after just five weeks.
Mr Bolton, who coordinated the health and social services effort at the Omagh Leisure Centre following the bomb attack, said he felt his place was with the people of the Co Tyrone town.
"In considering the consequences of the Omagh bombing for local people and others further afield, I have concluded that my place is with the people of the Sperrin Lakeland Trust.
"I feel that the work of supporting people who have been bereaved, injured and distressed by the bombing is only the beginning."
He stressed that his decision was based "on humanitarian reasons, and I would not want my decision to stand down to be taken advantage of politically".
Mr Bolton said he respected the decision of the electorate who voted for the Good Friday agreement and recognised that the release of prisoners was "a key part of that agreement".
"I therefore recognise, and continue to support, the role of the Sentence Review Commission in implementing the requirements of the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act."
He added that he planned to continue to lead the trust's community response to the explosion in Omagh.
A spokesman for the Sentences Review Commission last night said members "fully understand the decision Mr David Bolton has taken.
"He had a valuable contribution to make to our work. But it is right he should give his attention to Omagh.
"We hope that the secretary of state will make another appointment as soon as possible."
The secretary of state said she was "sorry" but understood why Mr Bolton felt he should spend more time with the people of Omagh."I would like to thank him for the work he has done as a Commissioner and for his words of support for the role the Commissioners are playing in taking forward the Good Friday Agreement."
By Valerie Robinson
A senior health and social services official has resigned his place on the Sentences Review Commission to devote more time to helping the people of bomb-stricken Omagh.
David Bolton is the director of community care and executive director of social work with the Sperrin Lakeland and Social Care Trust - the body which was "centrally involved in the hospital and community responses to the Omagh bombing".
He advised Secretary of State Mo Mowlam yesterday about his decision to quit the commission after just five weeks.
Mr Bolton, who coordinated the health and social services effort at the Omagh Leisure Centre following the bomb attack, said he felt his place was with the people of the Co Tyrone town.
"In considering the consequences of the Omagh bombing for local people and others further afield, I have concluded that my place is with the people of the Sperrin Lakeland Trust.
"I feel that the work of supporting people who have been bereaved, injured and distressed by the bombing is only the beginning."
He stressed that his decision was based "on humanitarian reasons, and I would not want my decision to stand down to be taken advantage of politically".
Mr Bolton said he respected the decision of the electorate who voted for the Good Friday agreement and recognised that the release of prisoners was "a key part of that agreement".
"I therefore recognise, and continue to support, the role of the Sentence Review Commission in implementing the requirements of the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act."
He added that he planned to continue to lead the trust's community response to the explosion in Omagh.
A spokesman for the Sentences Review Commission last night said members "fully understand the decision Mr David Bolton has taken.
"He had a valuable contribution to make to our work. But it is right he should give his attention to Omagh.
"We hope that the secretary of state will make another appointment as soon as possible."
The secretary of state said she was "sorry" but understood why Mr Bolton felt he should spend more time with the people of Omagh."I would like to thank him for the work he has done as a Commissioner and for his words of support for the role the Commissioners are playing in taking forward the Good Friday Agreement."
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0365
Published Date: 05-Sep-98
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