UH/1720

Nobel Award questioned

Dear Sir,
I wish to make the following points concerning an interview, 10/12/'98, at Omagh Trauma Centre. I feel that the views of those directly affected by the Omagh murderers (like myself) were not made clear.
It is felt that the Nobel Peace Prizes awarded were done so prematurely, in that our government is presenting a massaged, sanitised account of events.
The people of Omagh have always supported the cause of peace, but have been manipulated for decades by politicians who purport to engender peace, but for their own gratification.
The bereaved of Omagh find it distasteful that while they were told that peace had been attained by the politicians, their unguarded trust was cruelly betrayed by the ruthless murder of women, men and babies. If this is the foundation of a new society, then it is my feeling that I do not wish to be part of this politically expedient sham.
Rather than having awarded the Nobel Prize to individuals, perhaps the example of Malta in World War II be followed, i.e. award the peace honour to the people of Northern Ireland (in particular the women who have held families together in the midst of adversity for three decades, shedding tears, suffering in the knowledge that their men folk and children may not come home).
I think of my late wife, a true apostle of peace and serenity, mother of three contributing children, who received no accolade, and whose value to society appears to be a mere £7,500. It makes me very angry to think that the Nobel award is hollow and meaningless. Perhaps Mr. Hume,Mr. Trimble and Mr. Adams would be best nominated for Academy Awards for their performances since this pseudo peace senario has come to the fore. I say, SHAME ON YOU! SHAME ON YOU!
Yours faithfully,
LAURENCE RUSH