GUARDED WELCOME GIVEN TO NEWLY SET UP VICTIM'S GROUP
Guarded welcome given to newly set up victims' group
BY ALAN RODGERS
EFFORTS to give a voice to victims of terrorist atrocities in Northern Ireland during over 30 years of violence have been given a guarded welcome by one of those bereaved by the Omagh bomb.
But Drumquin man, Kevin Skelton, has called for the heartfelt views of the victims to be afforded priority in the new Forum set up last weekend. He was reacting to the appointment of nearly 30 people who suffered during the Troubles.
Michael Grimes, from Beragh, whose wife, daughter and three grandchildren were all killed on August 151998, is one of those selected. The group will report to the Executive and the Victims Commission.
"It is a positive move that the views of genuine victims such as Mick Grimes are being canvassed. Their opinions on what is needed by those of us who have been affected need to be listened to," said Mr Skelton.
"My view is that their opinions are absolutely vital in moving things forward. I really do hope that they can make progress in highlighting the concerns and other issues affecting victims of terrorism.
"But I would also have fears about whether or not this will be the case. If their views aren't brought on board, then this exercise is merely another waste of tune.
"One of the problems that I would have with the new body is that there are representatives from groups which are politically motivated or sponsored. That shouldn't be the case," he added.
As well as Michael Grimes, there are others with local connections on the group which includes former members of the security forces, an ex-IRA prisoner and victims of violence.
Jean Caldwell's 37-year-old husband, Cecil, was one of eight construction workers killed at Teebane crossroads in the early part of 1992. They were on their way from work at Lisanelly Army Barracks in Omagh.
Sean Coll is a Community Victims Support Officer with the Western Health and Social Care Trust. Two further members of the group have still to be confirmed.
It is hoped that the group, which will meet for the first time later this month, will help outline how a victim should be defined and how Northern Ireland should deal with its past.
"Previous attempts such as this have failed and the danger is that this will become just another quango which serves not real purpose," added Mr Skelton.
"We don't need people who are only interested in furthering their own political or other motivations. The people at the centre of this are the genume victims and I hope that their contribution is valued and acted upon.
"The people such as Michael Grimes have the issues which directly affected victims at heart. They know what is needed and what needs to be done."
The inaugural meeting will take place in a Scottish hotel, apparently because local hotels had difficulty accommodating a group with so many wheechair users.
BY ALAN RODGERS
EFFORTS to give a voice to victims of terrorist atrocities in Northern Ireland during over 30 years of violence have been given a guarded welcome by one of those bereaved by the Omagh bomb.
But Drumquin man, Kevin Skelton, has called for the heartfelt views of the victims to be afforded priority in the new Forum set up last weekend. He was reacting to the appointment of nearly 30 people who suffered during the Troubles.
Michael Grimes, from Beragh, whose wife, daughter and three grandchildren were all killed on August 151998, is one of those selected. The group will report to the Executive and the Victims Commission.
"It is a positive move that the views of genuine victims such as Mick Grimes are being canvassed. Their opinions on what is needed by those of us who have been affected need to be listened to," said Mr Skelton.
"My view is that their opinions are absolutely vital in moving things forward. I really do hope that they can make progress in highlighting the concerns and other issues affecting victims of terrorism.
"But I would also have fears about whether or not this will be the case. If their views aren't brought on board, then this exercise is merely another waste of tune.
"One of the problems that I would have with the new body is that there are representatives from groups which are politically motivated or sponsored. That shouldn't be the case," he added.
As well as Michael Grimes, there are others with local connections on the group which includes former members of the security forces, an ex-IRA prisoner and victims of violence.
Jean Caldwell's 37-year-old husband, Cecil, was one of eight construction workers killed at Teebane crossroads in the early part of 1992. They were on their way from work at Lisanelly Army Barracks in Omagh.
Sean Coll is a Community Victims Support Officer with the Western Health and Social Care Trust. Two further members of the group have still to be confirmed.
It is hoped that the group, which will meet for the first time later this month, will help outline how a victim should be defined and how Northern Ireland should deal with its past.
"Previous attempts such as this have failed and the danger is that this will become just another quango which serves not real purpose," added Mr Skelton.
"We don't need people who are only interested in furthering their own political or other motivations. The people at the centre of this are the genume victims and I hope that their contribution is valued and acted upon.
"The people such as Michael Grimes have the issues which directly affected victims at heart. They know what is needed and what needs to be done."
The inaugural meeting will take place in a Scottish hotel, apparently because local hotels had difficulty accommodating a group with so many wheechair users.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE HERALD
Ref: TYH/100
Published Date: 07-Sep-09
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