KILLING BRINGS BACK HORROR FOR OMAGH
Killing brings back 'horror of Omagh'
By Bimpe Fatogun
THE father of one of the Omagh bomb victims has spoken of his horror at the first dissident republican murder since the 1998 bombing.
Security sources last night blamed the Real IRA for the killing of Protestant father-of-four David Caldwell in Derry yesterday morning.
The paramilitary group has carried out a string of murder bids in the area in recent years.
Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aidan died in the Real IRA attack in Omagh which killed 29 people and unborn twins, last night poured scorn on previous apologies issued by the group for the bombing.
"Now we have had the 32nd victim,' be said.
"These were people who said they were sorry and regretted the deaths of civilians, but we have seen them continue to plant bombs and put people's life at risk."
Mr Gallagher said hearing news of yesterday's attack had been "horrendous", bringing back painful memories of that tragic day almost exactly four years ago.
"When I first heard it on the radio this morning I thought the man may have been injured, perhaps he hadn't died in the explosion," he said.
"When I heard he had actually lost his life and I knew there was another family who would be suffering terrible loss and bereavement... it was just horrendous."
The bomb attack on the Territorial Army base came just one day after bereaved relatives gathered in the nearby village of Claudy to mark the 30th anniversary of one of the worst atrocities of the troubles.
Bill Aiken, whose eight-year-old daughter Kathryn was killed in the bombing, said he and his wife sympathised with Mr Caldwell's family.
"I hate to hear about anybody being killed, it is totally unnecessary. I feel sorry for the relatives," he said.
"I am very much saddened the killing is still going on.
"I can't understand why paramilitaries on both sides don't throw their weapons into the sea or somewhere.
"We don't need them. So many families have been bereaved. It is unforgivable."
By Bimpe Fatogun
THE father of one of the Omagh bomb victims has spoken of his horror at the first dissident republican murder since the 1998 bombing.
Security sources last night blamed the Real IRA for the killing of Protestant father-of-four David Caldwell in Derry yesterday morning.
The paramilitary group has carried out a string of murder bids in the area in recent years.
Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aidan died in the Real IRA attack in Omagh which killed 29 people and unborn twins, last night poured scorn on previous apologies issued by the group for the bombing.
"Now we have had the 32nd victim,' be said.
"These were people who said they were sorry and regretted the deaths of civilians, but we have seen them continue to plant bombs and put people's life at risk."
Mr Gallagher said hearing news of yesterday's attack had been "horrendous", bringing back painful memories of that tragic day almost exactly four years ago.
"When I first heard it on the radio this morning I thought the man may have been injured, perhaps he hadn't died in the explosion," he said.
"When I heard he had actually lost his life and I knew there was another family who would be suffering terrible loss and bereavement... it was just horrendous."
The bomb attack on the Territorial Army base came just one day after bereaved relatives gathered in the nearby village of Claudy to mark the 30th anniversary of one of the worst atrocities of the troubles.
Bill Aiken, whose eight-year-old daughter Kathryn was killed in the bombing, said he and his wife sympathised with Mr Caldwell's family.
"I hate to hear about anybody being killed, it is totally unnecessary. I feel sorry for the relatives," he said.
"I am very much saddened the killing is still going on.
"I can't understand why paramilitaries on both sides don't throw their weapons into the sea or somewhere.
"We don't need them. So many families have been bereaved. It is unforgivable."
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0568
Published Date: 02-Aug-02
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