MACKEY REJECTS BOMB CLAIMS
Mackey rejects bomb claims
By Michael O'Toole
A LEADING member of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement yesterday refused to condemn the Omagh bomb but denied his organisation
was to blame for the outrage.
Francis Mackey, chairman of the movement, was earlier among the Omagh councillors who stood for a minute's silence in memory of the 28 victims.
He also signed a book of condolence opened at Omagh council offices yesterday.
The movement has been consistently linked to the so-called Real IRA, the group suspected of carrying out the bombing.
Mr Mackey, a member of Omagh district council for more than 15 years, said there was no justification for the huge bomb in Omagh that killed 28 people and injured hundreds of others.
He "categorically" rejected comments by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan indicating that the 32 County Sovereignty Movement had links with the bombing.
Emerging from an emergency session of the council, he declared: "I want to lay the lie to what is being said.
"I am saying that I, and the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, is not involved in any military activity or involved in any way in what took place on Saturday."
Mr Mackey refused, however, to use the word condemn when talking about the Omagh bomb attack, describing persistent questions about
the event as "word games".
He said: "The government and the security forces have tried to demonise me for being honest and open in expression of my political opinions.
"What is happening now is the demonisation of that opinion.
"The situation is that someone came to Omagh last Saturday and planted a bomb.
"We don't know the circumstances. The facts may never be known.
"The reality is that it took place and it has been a terrible, terrible tragedy."
Mr Mackey left Sinn Fein earlier this year because its their support for the Northern Ireland peace deal.
Mr Mackey also said yesterday that he was not surprised by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams's condemnation of the bombing but refused to comment further.
The emergency meeting of the council condemned the bombing and announced the setting up of a memorial fund for victims.
Anyone wishing to make a donation may do so through:
First Trust Bank, High Street, Omagh.
Account number 55876365 (55876365)
Sort Code 93 81 30.
The council is also organising a multi-denominational religious service in the coming days.
By Michael O'Toole
A LEADING member of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement yesterday refused to condemn the Omagh bomb but denied his organisation
was to blame for the outrage.
Francis Mackey, chairman of the movement, was earlier among the Omagh councillors who stood for a minute's silence in memory of the 28 victims.
He also signed a book of condolence opened at Omagh council offices yesterday.
The movement has been consistently linked to the so-called Real IRA, the group suspected of carrying out the bombing.
Mr Mackey, a member of Omagh district council for more than 15 years, said there was no justification for the huge bomb in Omagh that killed 28 people and injured hundreds of others.
He "categorically" rejected comments by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and RUC Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan indicating that the 32 County Sovereignty Movement had links with the bombing.
Emerging from an emergency session of the council, he declared: "I want to lay the lie to what is being said.
"I am saying that I, and the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, is not involved in any military activity or involved in any way in what took place on Saturday."
Mr Mackey refused, however, to use the word condemn when talking about the Omagh bomb attack, describing persistent questions about
the event as "word games".
He said: "The government and the security forces have tried to demonise me for being honest and open in expression of my political opinions.
"What is happening now is the demonisation of that opinion.
"The situation is that someone came to Omagh last Saturday and planted a bomb.
"We don't know the circumstances. The facts may never be known.
"The reality is that it took place and it has been a terrible, terrible tragedy."
Mr Mackey left Sinn Fein earlier this year because its their support for the Northern Ireland peace deal.
Mr Mackey also said yesterday that he was not surprised by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams's condemnation of the bombing but refused to comment further.
The emergency meeting of the council condemned the bombing and announced the setting up of a memorial fund for victims.
Anyone wishing to make a donation may do so through:
First Trust Bank, High Street, Omagh.
Account number 55876365 (55876365)
Sort Code 93 81 30.
The council is also organising a multi-denominational religious service in the coming days.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0683
Published Date: 18-Aug-98
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