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Clinton returns to visit relatives of Omagh bomb

Folk Park and surprise Ballygawley visits by ex-president
THE BROAD smiles on the faces of former US president, Mr. Bill Clinton and his daughter, Chelsea, matched the warmth of the early morning sunshine as they arrived at the perfect setting of the Ulster American Folk Park on Thursday morning last.
And they brought with them praise and encouragement for the families of the victims of the Omagh bombing of August 15, 1998, with whom he held an hour-long private get-together within the confines of the Park.
The former head of world power also took time to chat with folk park management and staff, as did daughter, Chelsea, whose down to earth charm appears to have won the hearts of all.
The hastily-arranged meeting came during Mr. Clinton's three-day visit to the Province, with main stops in Belfast, Londonderry and Enniskillen.
But the Clogher Valley also got in on the act when the president made a surprise stop there.
Security for the trip was provided by US Secret Service agents in association with members of the RUC's Close Protection Unit.
But it came nowhere near the sort of entourage that followed Mr. Clinton when, as president, he visited Omagh in the aftermath of the bomb. Indeed on that occasion many were still in a daze due to the magnitude of what had happened and many more could not even face up the town to greet the world leader as he was then.
But there was a more relaxed atmosphere about the visit to the folk park and the former president took time to speak gentle and caring words to as many as possible.
The folk park meeting came about after the mother of one of those who died in the Omagh atrocity requested a face-to-face meeting.
Patsy Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Adrian was among those who died, pleaded for a short meeting with Mr. Clinton to "boost our morale and rejuvenate us for the journey ahead."
Her letter, written last December. continued: "On September 3 1998 you promised us that we would not be alone and that you were but a telephone call away. I am calling you now. We need you now more than ever."
Symbolic
Her husband, Michael, chairman of the Omagh Self-Help Group, which represents a number of the bereaved families, said it was very symbolic that the former president had opted to reestablish his links with the town.
He said: "During his time as president Mr. Clinton travelled to Omagh in the very early stages of in the aftermath of the bombing and offered his support to the people of the town. His visit then did help the people at what was a very critical time.
"As an ex-president we understand he hasn't much political clout, but we will be asking him to use his influence to press for legislation to further the cause of peace here."
Mr. Clinton visited the town just three weeks after the bombing. On that occasion he was accompanied by his wife, Hilary, as well as British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife, Cherie.
During the visit he unveiled a memorial plaque which is to be erected at the site of the explosion itself.
Meanwhile, on arrival at the Folk Park on his latest visit Mr. Clinton was met by museum director, Mr. John Gilmour, who warmly welcomed him to the site, which tells the story of over 200 years of emigration from these shores.
The former president was then introduced to local dignitaries, including the chairman of Omagh District Council, Mr. Liam McQuaid, and those who have supported the bereaved and injured, including Mr. Gallagher and his vice-chairman, Mr. Stanley McCombe.
The party took a short tour of the park visiting the single room cabin where folk park guide, Mrs. Thelma Loane, greeted the former president. He then moved on to the museum's forge where blacksmiths work demonstrating their traditional craft.
According to a folk park spokesperson the meeting with the victims' group was a very private affair, the president wanting the opportunity to talk to guests on a personal and individual level.
After a short speech commending their courage and bravery and urging their continued resolve against violence, the president moved freely through the guests chatting to them and listening to their individual stories before departing for Enniskillen.
Afterwards Mr Gilmour said: "it was a tremendous honour to have President Clinton visit the museum which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The president expressed his pleasure at the quality and authenticity of the museums exhibits and made complimentary comparisons with similar open air sites, such as colonial Williamsburg and historic Jamestown in the USA."
Surprise stop
Meanwhile, Ballygawley had a surprise visit from the former president and daughter, Chelsea, later on Thursday when they stopped for lunch.
News of the visit spread like wildfire through the village, as Mr. Clinton's entourage settled into Askin's restaurant, taking staff there completely by surprise.
"He just dropped in and went to the shop next door and asked where he could get something to eat," said restaurant owner, Eddie Quinn.
"It really was so unbelievable. By chance a tourist from the USA was sitting in the eaterie and he couldn't believe it either."
Mr. Clinton enjoyed a peppered burger, while Chelsea tucked into a baked potato.
Then Mr. Clinton had a pint of Guinness served by the barman Christopher Flanagan.
Mr. Clinton read with interest some items hanging on the walls of the restaurant, including old newspaper cuttings about the nearby ancestral home of 18th US president Ulysses Simpson Grant.
A large crowd of people joined children from the local primary schools outside the restaurant to greet the visitors. Many had their photographs taken with Mr. Clinton and he also signed autographs, much to the delight of the crowds.
"He got a great reception is such a short space of time," said Mr. Quinn.
Apparently the euphoria was such that once the ex-president left the village local fans invaded the restaurant in search of the cups and plates he had been using as souvenirs.
"He really did give a lot of time to the people of Ballygawley. He must have shook hands with everyone who was standing outside," said Mr. Quinn.
"I was hoping that the staff would not present him with a bill, but it turned out that he left a £50 tip anyway and that was well over the cost of the meals," he said.
Centra retail manager Fintan Kelly was working in the Ballygawley shop when he looked up and saw Chelsea and Mr. Clinton come through the door.
He said Chelsea asked where they could get a coffee so he directed them to Askin's restaurant.