THIS IS THE START OF A NEW FUTURE FOR ALL
This is the start of a new future for all'
President and Blair give their backing
By RICHARD SHERRIFF
BILL Clinton and Tony Blair shook hands with Belfast people outside a sun-drenched Waterfront Hall yesterday, and told them the future of Northern Ireland had begun.
Minutes before, inside the symbol of Belfast's renewal, they told David Trimble and Seamus Mallon they had the support of the world behind them in securing that future.
Despite predictions that this, the second visit by President Clinton inside three years, would be a more sombre affair than his barn-storming Christmas performance, the sunshine and the political developments of the past 48 hours created an unavoidable atmosphere of hope and anticipation.
Assembled in the magnificent auditorium were key figures from the political and business world whose efforts will be crucial to the redevelopment of a strong and vibrant economy predicted by Belfast Lord Mayor David Alderdice.
Welcoming visiting and local leaders to the city, Mr Alderdice echoed Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams' words that the violence must be "a thing of the past, over, done with, and gone".
Instead, he recalled the Province's great past and said the people were once again "daring to dream".
However, no optimism could overcome the contrast of recent political progress with the horror of the Omagh bomb, and referring to the afternoon visit to the town, Mr Blair first offered the President the "thoughts and prayers of the people" after the crash of the Swissair jet en route to Geneva from New York early yesterday.
Returning to Omagh, Mr Blair acknowledged the tragedy that had united the communities in "grief, courage and determination".
In undoubtedly the most moving speech of the morning, Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon spoke of that grief with a sincerity that pierced through to every corner of the hall.
Expressing his own welcome to the future, he praised Mr Clinton for keeping faith with the people of the Province as they broke free from a "violent and bitter past" to start out on the "awesome, yet exciting road on our new journey of hope".
"Mr President, when you meet the people of Omagh who have suffered so dreadfully this cruel summer, when you speak to the victims of 30 years of violence in Armagh, when you speak to the people on the street you will see the pain in their eyes," he said.
Referring to a line of poetry spoken at Mr Clinton's 1993 inauguration, he said: "That 'wrenching pain' can only be fathomed by those who have suffered most, but you will also see a readiness to face history with a courage which will touch you, just as it has inspired us."
President and Blair give their backing
By RICHARD SHERRIFF
BILL Clinton and Tony Blair shook hands with Belfast people outside a sun-drenched Waterfront Hall yesterday, and told them the future of Northern Ireland had begun.
Minutes before, inside the symbol of Belfast's renewal, they told David Trimble and Seamus Mallon they had the support of the world behind them in securing that future.
Despite predictions that this, the second visit by President Clinton inside three years, would be a more sombre affair than his barn-storming Christmas performance, the sunshine and the political developments of the past 48 hours created an unavoidable atmosphere of hope and anticipation.
Assembled in the magnificent auditorium were key figures from the political and business world whose efforts will be crucial to the redevelopment of a strong and vibrant economy predicted by Belfast Lord Mayor David Alderdice.
Welcoming visiting and local leaders to the city, Mr Alderdice echoed Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams' words that the violence must be "a thing of the past, over, done with, and gone".
Instead, he recalled the Province's great past and said the people were once again "daring to dream".
However, no optimism could overcome the contrast of recent political progress with the horror of the Omagh bomb, and referring to the afternoon visit to the town, Mr Blair first offered the President the "thoughts and prayers of the people" after the crash of the Swissair jet en route to Geneva from New York early yesterday.
Returning to Omagh, Mr Blair acknowledged the tragedy that had united the communities in "grief, courage and determination".
In undoubtedly the most moving speech of the morning, Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon spoke of that grief with a sincerity that pierced through to every corner of the hall.
Expressing his own welcome to the future, he praised Mr Clinton for keeping faith with the people of the Province as they broke free from a "violent and bitter past" to start out on the "awesome, yet exciting road on our new journey of hope".
"Mr President, when you meet the people of Omagh who have suffered so dreadfully this cruel summer, when you speak to the victims of 30 years of violence in Armagh, when you speak to the people on the street you will see the pain in their eyes," he said.
Referring to a line of poetry spoken at Mr Clinton's 1993 inauguration, he said: "That 'wrenching pain' can only be fathomed by those who have suffered most, but you will also see a readiness to face history with a courage which will touch you, just as it has inspired us."
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/131
Published Date: 04-Sep-98
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