TRIMBLE SEEKS MPS' RECALL AS LAST BOMB VICTIMS ARE BURIED
Trimble seeks MPs' recall as last bomb victims are buried
By Deaglan de Breadun, Northern Editor
THE LEADER of the Ulster Unionist Party, Mr David Trimble, has appealed to the British Prime Minister for the urgent recall of parliament to enact new measures to deal with terrorism.
Writing as First Minister of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr Trimble pointed out that the Taoiseach was recalling the Dail to pass legislation that would "significantly strengthen the ability of his authorities to counter the threat posed by the dissident terrorists".
"We must be seen to be complementing what is being enacted in the Irish Republic. In addition, I am absolutely convinced of the necessity of reinstating the power of internment as an option," Mr Trimble wrote.
What had to be avoided at all costs was the potential situation of "known terrorists from the Republic of Ireland fleeing to Northern Ireland for sanctuary from the Republic's new measures."
Yesterday Mr Blair promised to do "whatever is necessary" to ensure the perpetrators of the Omagh bombing were taken off the streets. As the last of the 28 victims were being buried Mr Blair, holidaying in France, said: "The measures unveiled by the Irish Government indicated they are being true to their word.
"We will bring in similar measures to those proposed by the Irish Government so that then we will have the toughest anti-terrorist measures in the whole of the island of Ireland that we have ever seen."
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, briefed Mr Blair on Dublin's new measures in a 45-minute telephone conversation yesterday, and also told him of on-going contacts with militant republicans concerning ceasefires.
Mr Ahern also met key churchmen involved as go-betweens with paramilitary groups and spoke to the Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams. He will meet Mr Trimble and Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, Mr Seamus Mallon, tomorrow.
The Dail is expected to be recalled on Wednesday, September 2nd, to enact the emergency legislation.
Police are believed to have traced the final movements of the car used to transport the 500lb bomb, left in Omagh by two men last Saturday.
A number of civil liberties groups including Amnesty International expressed concern about the security measures being considered by London and Dublin.
The Northern Ireland Women's Coalition welcomed the "broad thrust" of the measures. In an apparent reference to publicity about Dundalk, the organisation opposed any attempt lo "demonise particular towns or locations in our commentary on these events".
In Dundalk residents are preparing for a march tomorrow to protest at the bombing. Ms Bernadette Sands-McKevitt, the vice-chair of the 'Real IRA's' political wing, the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, was again at work in her shop in the town.
In South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon yesterday a woman injured in the bombing gave birth to a girl. The woman, who was not being named, suffered cuts to her leg and blast injuries to her ears.
By Deaglan de Breadun, Northern Editor
THE LEADER of the Ulster Unionist Party, Mr David Trimble, has appealed to the British Prime Minister for the urgent recall of parliament to enact new measures to deal with terrorism.
Writing as First Minister of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr Trimble pointed out that the Taoiseach was recalling the Dail to pass legislation that would "significantly strengthen the ability of his authorities to counter the threat posed by the dissident terrorists".
"We must be seen to be complementing what is being enacted in the Irish Republic. In addition, I am absolutely convinced of the necessity of reinstating the power of internment as an option," Mr Trimble wrote.
What had to be avoided at all costs was the potential situation of "known terrorists from the Republic of Ireland fleeing to Northern Ireland for sanctuary from the Republic's new measures."
Yesterday Mr Blair promised to do "whatever is necessary" to ensure the perpetrators of the Omagh bombing were taken off the streets. As the last of the 28 victims were being buried Mr Blair, holidaying in France, said: "The measures unveiled by the Irish Government indicated they are being true to their word.
"We will bring in similar measures to those proposed by the Irish Government so that then we will have the toughest anti-terrorist measures in the whole of the island of Ireland that we have ever seen."
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, briefed Mr Blair on Dublin's new measures in a 45-minute telephone conversation yesterday, and also told him of on-going contacts with militant republicans concerning ceasefires.
Mr Ahern also met key churchmen involved as go-betweens with paramilitary groups and spoke to the Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams. He will meet Mr Trimble and Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, Mr Seamus Mallon, tomorrow.
The Dail is expected to be recalled on Wednesday, September 2nd, to enact the emergency legislation.
Police are believed to have traced the final movements of the car used to transport the 500lb bomb, left in Omagh by two men last Saturday.
A number of civil liberties groups including Amnesty International expressed concern about the security measures being considered by London and Dublin.
The Northern Ireland Women's Coalition welcomed the "broad thrust" of the measures. In an apparent reference to publicity about Dundalk, the organisation opposed any attempt lo "demonise particular towns or locations in our commentary on these events".
In Dundalk residents are preparing for a march tomorrow to protest at the bombing. Ms Bernadette Sands-McKevitt, the vice-chair of the 'Real IRA's' political wing, the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, was again at work in her shop in the town.
In South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon yesterday a woman injured in the bombing gave birth to a girl. The woman, who was not being named, suffered cuts to her leg and blast injuries to her ears.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH TIMES
Ref: IT/133
Published Date: 21-Aug-98
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