CHAIRMAN'S ABSENCE EXPLAINED
Chairman's absence explained
SINN FEIN has moved to call an end to speculation over the absence of Council Chairman, Sean Clarke, at the Prime Minister's visit to Omagh on Tuesday.
The Sinn Fein Chairman of Omagh Council was not present when Tony Blair met with local representatives during a tour of Omagh this week to see at first-hand the scenes of devastation left behind by the bombers.
His absence was noted by some sections of the press with some reports suggesting that his absence was both "conspicuous and unexplained," when he did not attend the meeting. .
One report quoted an SDLP members as suggesting Councillor Clarke had been forced by Sinn Fein leaders to shun Mr Blair.
Speaking to the "Herald" a spokesman for the Chairman said he had not attended because of a prior engagement with the Mayor of Kilkenny, who had visited Omagh to present a Book of Condolences.
"The delegation from Kilkenny were over an hour late and the Chairman was forced to wait.
He said Sean Clarke had asked Ulster Unionist Vice-Chairman, Allan Rainey, to step into the breach, and was grateful that he had done so.
The spokesman added "The unity of the Council has acted as a beacon of hope to the people of Omagh and hopefully that will continue."
He also pointed out that Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness and Pat Doherty were scheduled to meet the Prime Minister during his visit to the North.
SINN FEIN has moved to call an end to speculation over the absence of Council Chairman, Sean Clarke, at the Prime Minister's visit to Omagh on Tuesday.
The Sinn Fein Chairman of Omagh Council was not present when Tony Blair met with local representatives during a tour of Omagh this week to see at first-hand the scenes of devastation left behind by the bombers.
His absence was noted by some sections of the press with some reports suggesting that his absence was both "conspicuous and unexplained," when he did not attend the meeting. .
One report quoted an SDLP members as suggesting Councillor Clarke had been forced by Sinn Fein leaders to shun Mr Blair.
Speaking to the "Herald" a spokesman for the Chairman said he had not attended because of a prior engagement with the Mayor of Kilkenny, who had visited Omagh to present a Book of Condolences.
"The delegation from Kilkenny were over an hour late and the Chairman was forced to wait.
He said Sean Clarke had asked Ulster Unionist Vice-Chairman, Allan Rainey, to step into the breach, and was grateful that he had done so.
The spokesman added "The unity of the Council has acted as a beacon of hope to the people of Omagh and hopefully that will continue."
He also pointed out that Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness and Pat Doherty were scheduled to meet the Prime Minister during his visit to the North.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0153
Published Date: 27-Aug-98
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