CLINTON TO RETURN TO OMAGH?
Clinton to return to Omagh?
By JOHN McCUSKER
December 8 earmarked for possible visit
US President Bill Clinton could pay an emotional return visit to Omagh if next month's proposed trip to the North goes ahead.
And he may be persuaded to lay the foundation stone for the hew Community House to be build on the site of the August 1998 bombing atrocity.
Before stepping down early next year, it is believed the outgoing President plans to undertake a final visit to Ireland.
And this week one source told the Herald that Omagh had been suggested as a possible stop-off with December 8 the most likely date on the presidential calendar.
However, Omagh Council's Chief Executive, John McKinney said any talk of a presidential visit locally was 'purely speculation' at this stage.
Sources at the US Embassy stated that talks had already taken place between local Council officials and Embassy staff in relation to including Omagh on any forthcoming agenda.
Mr McKinney said "I can confirm that the Council has been in touch with the US Embassy in an effort to attract the President to the town should any visit materialise.
"At the moment we are not sure whether there will be a visit. But if he does come to the North there is a possibility he may come to Omagh."
The President and his wife Hilary- now a New York Senator- last visited the town just three weeks after the Market Street explosion which claimed the lives of 29 people and unborn twins.
During that trip he and the First Lady met with relatives of the bereaved and injured and also paid a poignant visit to the site of the explosion itself.
Mr Clinton was deeply touched by the experience and indicated to Mr McKinney that he would be anxious to return again before his term of office ended.
The Chief Executive said- "President Clinton told me it was a very emotional visit for him and his wife.
"Before leaving, he told me personally how touched he was at what he witnessed during the visit and especially during his meeting with those affected by the tragedy.
"He said he would be anxious to return again to Omagh at some stage in the future,"
During his 1998 visit, the President unveiled a plaque at the site of the explosion, dedicated to those who died in the atrocity.' Since then, the plaque has been kept at the Council Offices until it can be formally placed in the Community House which is to be built on the top floor of the shops and offices on the Cozy Korner side of the street.
Recently, the American Ireland Fund handed over $500,000 towards the construction of the Community House and work on the project is due to begin shortly. It is believed this US funding connection could be a key factor in securing the presidential seal of approval for the project.
If the presidential visit does get the go ahead, a massive security operation similar to that which preceded the visit of two years ago can be expected.
Back then, Mr Clinton and First Lady flew into Omagh aboard the presidential helicopter Marine One, before travelling onto the Leisure Centre in a bullet-proof cavalcade.
By JOHN McCUSKER
December 8 earmarked for possible visit
US President Bill Clinton could pay an emotional return visit to Omagh if next month's proposed trip to the North goes ahead.
And he may be persuaded to lay the foundation stone for the hew Community House to be build on the site of the August 1998 bombing atrocity.
Before stepping down early next year, it is believed the outgoing President plans to undertake a final visit to Ireland.
And this week one source told the Herald that Omagh had been suggested as a possible stop-off with December 8 the most likely date on the presidential calendar.
However, Omagh Council's Chief Executive, John McKinney said any talk of a presidential visit locally was 'purely speculation' at this stage.
Sources at the US Embassy stated that talks had already taken place between local Council officials and Embassy staff in relation to including Omagh on any forthcoming agenda.
Mr McKinney said "I can confirm that the Council has been in touch with the US Embassy in an effort to attract the President to the town should any visit materialise.
"At the moment we are not sure whether there will be a visit. But if he does come to the North there is a possibility he may come to Omagh."
The President and his wife Hilary- now a New York Senator- last visited the town just three weeks after the Market Street explosion which claimed the lives of 29 people and unborn twins.
During that trip he and the First Lady met with relatives of the bereaved and injured and also paid a poignant visit to the site of the explosion itself.
Mr Clinton was deeply touched by the experience and indicated to Mr McKinney that he would be anxious to return again before his term of office ended.
The Chief Executive said- "President Clinton told me it was a very emotional visit for him and his wife.
"Before leaving, he told me personally how touched he was at what he witnessed during the visit and especially during his meeting with those affected by the tragedy.
"He said he would be anxious to return again to Omagh at some stage in the future,"
During his 1998 visit, the President unveiled a plaque at the site of the explosion, dedicated to those who died in the atrocity.' Since then, the plaque has been kept at the Council Offices until it can be formally placed in the Community House which is to be built on the top floor of the shops and offices on the Cozy Korner side of the street.
Recently, the American Ireland Fund handed over $500,000 towards the construction of the Community House and work on the project is due to begin shortly. It is believed this US funding connection could be a key factor in securing the presidential seal of approval for the project.
If the presidential visit does get the go ahead, a massive security operation similar to that which preceded the visit of two years ago can be expected.
Back then, Mr Clinton and First Lady flew into Omagh aboard the presidential helicopter Marine One, before travelling onto the Leisure Centre in a bullet-proof cavalcade.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1520
Published Date: 16-Nov-00
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