OMAGH POLICE OFFICERS TURN DOWN MO INVITE
Omagh police officers turn down Mo invite
Group for victims takes priority over tea in Castle
AT LEAST a dozen police officers involved in helping victims of the Omagh bomb will tonight snub a function being held by Mo Mowlam in their honour, it was claimed last night.
Instead they are planning to attend the launch of a new support group being formed by Co Tyrone families who have lost loved ones in the past 30 years of violence.
The officers have been invited to Hillsborough Castle for tea with the Secretary of State but have told those behind the group Voice that they would rather be seen supporting the widows of murdered police officers.
"Basically they don't like the idea of sitting round drinking cups of tea with Mo Mowlam and they would rather be supporting victims, as there are a lot of police widows in the group," said spokesman Derek Reaney.
Approximately 40 people have so far been involved in forming Voice, which will be launched this evening at a meeting in the Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh.
The cross-community group, which is open to anybody who has lost relatives or has been a victim of terrorism in west Tyrone, has set out five basic principles, said Mr Reaney, who is a community development worker in the area.
"They are to be the voice for the victims; they are seeking justice; they are seeking recognition of victims; they want to tell their story; and also to help and support the members of the group.
Mr Reaney said the nature of terrorism in the west Tyrone area would mean that more Protestants than Roman Catholics would be eligible to join, but said membership was open to everyone who had suffered at the hands of paramilitaries.
"By definition that will mean more Protestant people as republicans have been very active in this area but that doesn't exclude Catholics and people from both communities have been to the meetings. Terrorism crosses all boundaries," he said.
Mr Reaney said Voice, which objects to the early release of paramilitary prisoners, was hoping to attract the support of a wide range of political figures but was not affiliated to any particular party.
Group for victims takes priority over tea in Castle
AT LEAST a dozen police officers involved in helping victims of the Omagh bomb will tonight snub a function being held by Mo Mowlam in their honour, it was claimed last night.
Instead they are planning to attend the launch of a new support group being formed by Co Tyrone families who have lost loved ones in the past 30 years of violence.
The officers have been invited to Hillsborough Castle for tea with the Secretary of State but have told those behind the group Voice that they would rather be seen supporting the widows of murdered police officers.
"Basically they don't like the idea of sitting round drinking cups of tea with Mo Mowlam and they would rather be supporting victims, as there are a lot of police widows in the group," said spokesman Derek Reaney.
Approximately 40 people have so far been involved in forming Voice, which will be launched this evening at a meeting in the Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh.
The cross-community group, which is open to anybody who has lost relatives or has been a victim of terrorism in west Tyrone, has set out five basic principles, said Mr Reaney, who is a community development worker in the area.
"They are to be the voice for the victims; they are seeking justice; they are seeking recognition of victims; they want to tell their story; and also to help and support the members of the group.
Mr Reaney said the nature of terrorism in the west Tyrone area would mean that more Protestants than Roman Catholics would be eligible to join, but said membership was open to everyone who had suffered at the hands of paramilitaries.
"By definition that will mean more Protestant people as republicans have been very active in this area but that doesn't exclude Catholics and people from both communities have been to the meetings. Terrorism crosses all boundaries," he said.
Mr Reaney said Voice, which objects to the early release of paramilitary prisoners, was hoping to attract the support of a wide range of political figures but was not affiliated to any particular party.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/384
Published Date: 23-Feb-99
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