HEAVEN WEEPS
Heaven weeps
POLITICAL violence and sectarian strife have touched every life in Northern Ireland. Perhaps that is largely why the Omagh abomination is so resistant to justice. Countless other examples exist north and south where the pursuit of justice has been attenuated by political considerations. It was so appropriate that it rained heavily during the Omagh remembrance on August 15. It was as if the innocents killed by the bomb were crying for justice from heaven itself. The following day in the south thunder and lightning filled our minds with the power of the blast on that black day. There is much talk of letting go and reconciliation for terrible acts done. But there is no reason in the world why evil should be forgiven - especially where those who have done wrong have not asked for forgiveness and maybe don't want it, given their indifference to suffering. We may want to move on but Omagh's victims and the families will never be the same again. A dangerous form of psychological legitimacy has arisen as a side-effect of the Troubles. Political violence is seen as an exception to the normal rules of justice giving a twisted justification to such acts of barbarism. There will be some sense of justice when society gives a damn. Many still suffering have seen little evidence of it and seriously doubt the justice system. Only a few sincere persons have been heard expressing their forthright anguish. One such is Omagh victims' leader Michael Gallagher, who doesn't mince his words in saying what he thinks of the establishment. None of us should be silent or let those who seek justice for political violence do so on their own.
MAURICE FITZGERALD, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork
POLITICAL violence and sectarian strife have touched every life in Northern Ireland. Perhaps that is largely why the Omagh abomination is so resistant to justice. Countless other examples exist north and south where the pursuit of justice has been attenuated by political considerations. It was so appropriate that it rained heavily during the Omagh remembrance on August 15. It was as if the innocents killed by the bomb were crying for justice from heaven itself. The following day in the south thunder and lightning filled our minds with the power of the blast on that black day. There is much talk of letting go and reconciliation for terrible acts done. But there is no reason in the world why evil should be forgiven - especially where those who have done wrong have not asked for forgiveness and maybe don't want it, given their indifference to suffering. We may want to move on but Omagh's victims and the families will never be the same again. A dangerous form of psychological legitimacy has arisen as a side-effect of the Troubles. Political violence is seen as an exception to the normal rules of justice giving a twisted justification to such acts of barbarism. There will be some sense of justice when society gives a damn. Many still suffering have seen little evidence of it and seriously doubt the justice system. Only a few sincere persons have been heard expressing their forthright anguish. One such is Omagh victims' leader Michael Gallagher, who doesn't mince his words in saying what he thinks of the establishment. None of us should be silent or let those who seek justice for political violence do so on their own.
MAURICE FITZGERALD, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN10An/28
Published Date: 21-Aug-08
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