HISTORIC VISIT
HISTORIC VISIT
INCONVENIENT though his visit is for a town struggling back to some semblance of normality after the August 15 atrocity, the United States President will be given a warm welcome to Omagh when he arrives later today.
It has been suggested that the reason for Mr. Clinton's change of itinerary to include a visit to us is to "hijack" our grief in an attempt to divert attention from his troubles at home. And business people are, understandably, not happy at being ordered to close at a critical time in the town's recovery. They question the need for such high profile security and point to the relaxed atmosphere that prevailed during the earlier visits by Prince Charles and Prime Minister Tony Blair.
However, it must not be overlooked that the man arriving today is the head of the most powerful nation in the world and that a Presidential visit is an honour not accorded to many. It is the stuff of history.
Mr. Clinton's visit to Ireland was arranged long before the Real IRA planted their bomb and murdered and maimed so many people. Imagine the outcry there would have been had his plans not been changed to allow him time to come here and identify with the town's suffering and express his sympathy with those who have been bereaved and injured.
Omagh in its heartbreak has received wide acclaim for the dignified way in which those directly affected and the townspeople in general are coping with their grief. Mr. Clinton today will be able to experience it first hand.
INCONVENIENT though his visit is for a town struggling back to some semblance of normality after the August 15 atrocity, the United States President will be given a warm welcome to Omagh when he arrives later today.
It has been suggested that the reason for Mr. Clinton's change of itinerary to include a visit to us is to "hijack" our grief in an attempt to divert attention from his troubles at home. And business people are, understandably, not happy at being ordered to close at a critical time in the town's recovery. They question the need for such high profile security and point to the relaxed atmosphere that prevailed during the earlier visits by Prince Charles and Prime Minister Tony Blair.
However, it must not be overlooked that the man arriving today is the head of the most powerful nation in the world and that a Presidential visit is an honour not accorded to many. It is the stuff of history.
Mr. Clinton's visit to Ireland was arranged long before the Real IRA planted their bomb and murdered and maimed so many people. Imagine the outcry there would have been had his plans not been changed to allow him time to come here and identify with the town's suffering and express his sympathy with those who have been bereaved and injured.
Omagh in its heartbreak has received wide acclaim for the dignified way in which those directly affected and the townspeople in general are coping with their grief. Mr. Clinton today will be able to experience it first hand.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0515
Published Date: 03-Sep-98
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.