VOICE OF TERROR WILL NOT WORK ANY MORE
Voice of terror 'will not work any more'
Emotional Clinton condemns bombers
PRESIDENT Clinton finished off his visit to Northern Ireland with a barnstorming speech in front of a cheering 10,000 strong crowd at the ancient city of Armagh.
Clearly moved by his earlier visit to Omagh, a re-energised Mr Clinton spoke from the heart, declaring that Armagh and its two cathedrals, symbolised the coming together of the two traditions in Northern Ireland.
He spoke passionately of his meeting with the families of the Omagh dead and with those maimed in the atrocity.
"We met with those who were terribly wounded, we saw children scarred, some of them for life, because someone could set off a bomb big enough to kill enough Protestants and Catholics, men and women, enough people from Northern Ireland, Ireland and foreign countries in an attempt to make people walk away from peace," he said.
But, he added, the terrorists' evil plan backfired as the people of Northern Ireland spoke with one voice. Out of the unimaginable horror of Omagh, they demanded an end to all violence.
"It will not work any more," the President said to loud applause.
Mr Clinton also spoke of the hope Northern Ireland had brought to trouble spots throughout the world.
"Never ever underestimate the impact you can have on the world," he said.
"Thank you for the springtime of hope you have given the world. Thank you for reminding us of one of life's most important lessons, that it is never too late for a new beginning."
The presidential party had arrived in Armagh to a rapturous reception from a crowd, many of whom had been waiting for more than four hours.
More than 20 minutes ahead of schedule, the Presidential limousine pulled up beside the Mall, where the crowds were being entertained at a big peace rally. Mr Clinton stepped out of his limousine to be greeted by local dignitaries before entering government offices across the street to meet Ireland's four main Church leaders.
He was to have discussions with Roman Catholic Primate Archbishop Sean Brady Church 'Ireland Primate Archbishop Robin Eames, last year's Methodist president, the Rev Dr Norman Taggart. and Presbyterian Moderator Dr John Dixon.
An air of anticipation mounted as leading folk singer Mary Black entertained the crowd.
The President emerged from his talks after 20 minutes and stepped onto the stage at 7.39pm to loud cheers from the crowd, many waving the Stars and Stripes.
He was accompanied by his wife Hillary, Prime Minister Tony Blair Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam, the First Minister David Trimble and his deputy, Seamus Mallon.
Among the dignitaries was 17 year-old Sharon Haughey from the neighbouring village of Keady.
During his last visit to Northern Ireland, the President, quoted from a letter she had written to him saying that both sides had been hurt and both had to forgive.
The politicians appeared relaxed and waved at the crowd as Armagh Girls' Choir sang From A Distance.
Welcoming the dignitaries was the Mayor of Armagh. Robert Turner who said their presence was appreciated at this historic gathering for peace in the Christian capital capital of Ireland,
First Minister designate David Trimble said that he hoped that the Clinton's abiding memory of the day would be an impression of hope, confidence and optimism for the future. Prime Minister Tony Blair also carried the message of the people of Omagh for the peace process to continue.
He said: "Even amidst the most: deep and profound grief, even as they mourned they said to us: Don't let this be in vain. Don't let no good come of this unspeakable event. Keep at it, see it through."
"Let those who died in Omagh, that unbearable tragedy, let their memorial be a peaceful, just, and secure future for the whole of Northern Ireland."
Mr Clinton then joined the crowds below, spending three-quarters of an hour mingling with the people and shaking hands.
As darkness fell over the city, he stepped back on the stage one last time against, a backdrop heralding A Gathering for Peace to wave farewell before being escorted back to his limousine to leave Northern Ireland and cross the border into Eire.
Emotional Clinton condemns bombers
PRESIDENT Clinton finished off his visit to Northern Ireland with a barnstorming speech in front of a cheering 10,000 strong crowd at the ancient city of Armagh.
Clearly moved by his earlier visit to Omagh, a re-energised Mr Clinton spoke from the heart, declaring that Armagh and its two cathedrals, symbolised the coming together of the two traditions in Northern Ireland.
He spoke passionately of his meeting with the families of the Omagh dead and with those maimed in the atrocity.
"We met with those who were terribly wounded, we saw children scarred, some of them for life, because someone could set off a bomb big enough to kill enough Protestants and Catholics, men and women, enough people from Northern Ireland, Ireland and foreign countries in an attempt to make people walk away from peace," he said.
But, he added, the terrorists' evil plan backfired as the people of Northern Ireland spoke with one voice. Out of the unimaginable horror of Omagh, they demanded an end to all violence.
"It will not work any more," the President said to loud applause.
Mr Clinton also spoke of the hope Northern Ireland had brought to trouble spots throughout the world.
"Never ever underestimate the impact you can have on the world," he said.
"Thank you for the springtime of hope you have given the world. Thank you for reminding us of one of life's most important lessons, that it is never too late for a new beginning."
The presidential party had arrived in Armagh to a rapturous reception from a crowd, many of whom had been waiting for more than four hours.
More than 20 minutes ahead of schedule, the Presidential limousine pulled up beside the Mall, where the crowds were being entertained at a big peace rally. Mr Clinton stepped out of his limousine to be greeted by local dignitaries before entering government offices across the street to meet Ireland's four main Church leaders.
He was to have discussions with Roman Catholic Primate Archbishop Sean Brady Church 'Ireland Primate Archbishop Robin Eames, last year's Methodist president, the Rev Dr Norman Taggart. and Presbyterian Moderator Dr John Dixon.
An air of anticipation mounted as leading folk singer Mary Black entertained the crowd.
The President emerged from his talks after 20 minutes and stepped onto the stage at 7.39pm to loud cheers from the crowd, many waving the Stars and Stripes.
He was accompanied by his wife Hillary, Prime Minister Tony Blair Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam, the First Minister David Trimble and his deputy, Seamus Mallon.
Among the dignitaries was 17 year-old Sharon Haughey from the neighbouring village of Keady.
During his last visit to Northern Ireland, the President, quoted from a letter she had written to him saying that both sides had been hurt and both had to forgive.
The politicians appeared relaxed and waved at the crowd as Armagh Girls' Choir sang From A Distance.
Welcoming the dignitaries was the Mayor of Armagh. Robert Turner who said their presence was appreciated at this historic gathering for peace in the Christian capital capital of Ireland,
First Minister designate David Trimble said that he hoped that the Clinton's abiding memory of the day would be an impression of hope, confidence and optimism for the future. Prime Minister Tony Blair also carried the message of the people of Omagh for the peace process to continue.
He said: "Even amidst the most: deep and profound grief, even as they mourned they said to us: Don't let this be in vain. Don't let no good come of this unspeakable event. Keep at it, see it through."
"Let those who died in Omagh, that unbearable tragedy, let their memorial be a peaceful, just, and secure future for the whole of Northern Ireland."
Mr Clinton then joined the crowds below, spending three-quarters of an hour mingling with the people and shaking hands.
As darkness fell over the city, he stepped back on the stage one last time against, a backdrop heralding A Gathering for Peace to wave farewell before being escorted back to his limousine to leave Northern Ireland and cross the border into Eire.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/264
Published Date: 04-Sep-98
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