MAYOR SUGGESTS �1M LOTTO CASH FOR VICTIMS
Mayor suggests �lm Lotto cash for victims
by Tony Purcell
THE Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Joe Harrington yesterday called on the Government to set up a �lm fund for the victims of the Omagh bombing outrage.
"I have written to the Minister for Sport, Dr Jim McDaid suggesting the setting up of the fund and that the money should come out of the Lottery Fund," said the Mayor.
He confirmed that with the help of some friends he was in the process of setting up a local fund in for the families and victims, especially the children who will be in hospital for some time and will want special care for the rest of their lives.
"I believe the people of Ireland would not mind if the proposed �lm came out of the Lottery Fund used to provide sporting facilities in the country, as some of the children injured in Saturday's bombing will never be able to play sports again because of the tragedy." A spokesman for the Minister of Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr Jim McDaid, confirmed last night that the Mayor's letter had been received in the Department.
"The Minister is in Donegal with the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, attending the funerals of victims of the Omagh bombing and he will consider the matter on his return," added the spokesman.
Mayor Harrington said he was shocked by the enormity of the tragedy and "I feel very sad that so many women and children were killed and hurt in the explosion."
The Mayor added: "I am astounded that after 30 year-of a militarist strategy there are still some republican-around who think this works.
"I would appeal to Sinn Fein to have a proper discussion and debate about the policy of militarism and try to convince those republicans that it is not the way to free Ireland."
Courtesy of Irish Examiner
by Tony Purcell
THE Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Joe Harrington yesterday called on the Government to set up a �lm fund for the victims of the Omagh bombing outrage.
"I have written to the Minister for Sport, Dr Jim McDaid suggesting the setting up of the fund and that the money should come out of the Lottery Fund," said the Mayor.
He confirmed that with the help of some friends he was in the process of setting up a local fund in for the families and victims, especially the children who will be in hospital for some time and will want special care for the rest of their lives.
"I believe the people of Ireland would not mind if the proposed �lm came out of the Lottery Fund used to provide sporting facilities in the country, as some of the children injured in Saturday's bombing will never be able to play sports again because of the tragedy." A spokesman for the Minister of Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr Jim McDaid, confirmed last night that the Mayor's letter had been received in the Department.
"The Minister is in Donegal with the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, attending the funerals of victims of the Omagh bombing and he will consider the matter on his return," added the spokesman.
Mayor Harrington said he was shocked by the enormity of the tragedy and "I feel very sad that so many women and children were killed and hurt in the explosion."
The Mayor added: "I am astounded that after 30 year-of a militarist strategy there are still some republican-around who think this works.
"I would appeal to Sinn Fein to have a proper discussion and debate about the policy of militarism and try to convince those republicans that it is not the way to free Ireland."
Courtesy of Irish Examiner
Further Information
Publisher: THE EXAMINER
Ref: TEX/090
Published Date: 19-Aug-98
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