QUIET AND DETERMINED DIGNITY OF OMAGH IS AN INSPIRATION TO ALL
Quiet and determined dignity of Omagh is an inspiration to all, says council chairman
THE unity of Omagh District Council has shone out like a beacon in the dark days after the town's bomb atrocity, the chairman, Mr. Sean Clarke, said on Tuesday.
Mr. Clarke reiterated the condolences to all who were bereaved, and extended good wishes to those who were injured.
Continuing, he said: "On Saturday, the people of Ireland grieved with the victims of the Omagh bomb. All over the island of Ireland we remembered with heavy hearts those who were killed and injured.
"I marvelled at, and was humbled by, the enormous dignity and courage displayed by the bereaved and injured, as well as the people of Omagh itself.
"Their quiet but determined nobility and insistence that political leaders continue to work at the peace process, and to build on the Good Friday Agreement, could not have failed to give inspiration to all who watched and listened."
Mr. Clarke said it was now incumbent on those in political leadership to demonstrate to all the people of Ireland, but particularly those bereaved and injured in Omagh, that they would redouble their efforts to reach a just and lasting settlement.
He went on to pay tribute to all who helped in any way to alleviate the pain and suffering that Omagh, and its people, were enduring.
"As chairman, I am proud of the role that our council played, and I once again would like to put on record the community's gratitude to our chief executive, Mr. John McKinney, and all his staff for their sterling work.
"I also thank my fellow councillors for their support over the last few difficult days.
"I would single out my vice-chairman, Mr. Allan Rainey, for special praise.
"The unity of this council shone out like a beacon of hope in the dark days after the bomb, and we owe it to the people of the area to keep divisive party politics out of the chamber.
"One subject that has always united us has been the concern over the future of Tyrone County Hospital. It would be right and fitting that, without being seen to take political capital out of the atrocity that was visited on our town, we again unite to ensure that services and facilities that are so essential to those recovering from their injuries are available locally.
"If that involves upgrading the County to that of 'golden' hospital standard, then that is the least our people can expect," he said.
THE unity of Omagh District Council has shone out like a beacon in the dark days after the town's bomb atrocity, the chairman, Mr. Sean Clarke, said on Tuesday.
Mr. Clarke reiterated the condolences to all who were bereaved, and extended good wishes to those who were injured.
Continuing, he said: "On Saturday, the people of Ireland grieved with the victims of the Omagh bomb. All over the island of Ireland we remembered with heavy hearts those who were killed and injured.
"I marvelled at, and was humbled by, the enormous dignity and courage displayed by the bereaved and injured, as well as the people of Omagh itself.
"Their quiet but determined nobility and insistence that political leaders continue to work at the peace process, and to build on the Good Friday Agreement, could not have failed to give inspiration to all who watched and listened."
Mr. Clarke said it was now incumbent on those in political leadership to demonstrate to all the people of Ireland, but particularly those bereaved and injured in Omagh, that they would redouble their efforts to reach a just and lasting settlement.
He went on to pay tribute to all who helped in any way to alleviate the pain and suffering that Omagh, and its people, were enduring.
"As chairman, I am proud of the role that our council played, and I once again would like to put on record the community's gratitude to our chief executive, Mr. John McKinney, and all his staff for their sterling work.
"I also thank my fellow councillors for their support over the last few difficult days.
"I would single out my vice-chairman, Mr. Allan Rainey, for special praise.
"The unity of this council shone out like a beacon of hope in the dark days after the bomb, and we owe it to the people of the area to keep divisive party politics out of the chamber.
"One subject that has always united us has been the concern over the future of Tyrone County Hospital. It would be right and fitting that, without being seen to take political capital out of the atrocity that was visited on our town, we again unite to ensure that services and facilities that are so essential to those recovering from their injuries are available locally.
"If that involves upgrading the County to that of 'golden' hospital standard, then that is the least our people can expect," he said.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0307
Published Date: 27-Aug-98
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