SPANISH KNOW HOW TO TREAT TERROR VICTIMS - GALLAGHER
Spanish know how to treat terror victims - Gallagher
BY JACQUELINE COURTNEY
THE Spanish Government is way ahead in its treatment of those affected by terrorism, according to an Omagh father whose son was killed in the August 1998 bomb.
Chairman of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group, Michael Gallagher was speaking earlier this week from Madrid, where he was attending a two-day conference for victims of terrorism. He said politicians here had much to learn from their Spanish counterparts in dealing with those affected by terrorism.
During his stay in Spain, Michael, and his wife, were among a group invited to lunch with the Spanish Prime Minister.
"I think in Spain those affected by terrorism have been treated with utmost respect and consideration. I hope our politicians can learn from this."
Mr Gallagher also planned to meet with the Spanish families of those injured and killed in the bomb in which his son, Aidan, also lost his life.
Two young Spaniards were killed in the Omagh atrocity and other visitors to the town that fateful day were seriously injured.
Mr Gallagher recalled being at the Leisure Centre, on the night of the Omagh bombing, and hearing a lot of Spanish voices which he found rather unusual.
He later found out the Spanish people were visiting the town and some of those injured had to be airlifted home by the Royal Spanish Airforce.
Mr Gallagher believes a similar conference for victims of terrorism should have been organised in Northern Ireland years ago.
"There are victims from nine-eleven in New York, Columbia, Russia, France and Spain at the conference. It is important that families affected by terrorism can meet and share their experience and learn from each other."
The Spanish conference was opened by the Prince of Spain and was held in conjunction with San Pablo University. Before addressing the high profile conference, Mr Gallagher said it was amazing that while in Northern Ireland there had been 4,000 plus victims of terrorism, the Government has not recognised the victim's plight.
During his stay in Spain, Mr Gallagher and his wife were among a group invited to lunch with the Spanish Prime Minister.
Concluding he said, "I think in this country those affected by terrorism have been treated with utmost respect and consideration. I hope our politicians can learn from this."
BY JACQUELINE COURTNEY
THE Spanish Government is way ahead in its treatment of those affected by terrorism, according to an Omagh father whose son was killed in the August 1998 bomb.
Chairman of the Omagh Support and Self Help Group, Michael Gallagher was speaking earlier this week from Madrid, where he was attending a two-day conference for victims of terrorism. He said politicians here had much to learn from their Spanish counterparts in dealing with those affected by terrorism.
During his stay in Spain, Michael, and his wife, were among a group invited to lunch with the Spanish Prime Minister.
"I think in Spain those affected by terrorism have been treated with utmost respect and consideration. I hope our politicians can learn from this."
Mr Gallagher also planned to meet with the Spanish families of those injured and killed in the bomb in which his son, Aidan, also lost his life.
Two young Spaniards were killed in the Omagh atrocity and other visitors to the town that fateful day were seriously injured.
Mr Gallagher recalled being at the Leisure Centre, on the night of the Omagh bombing, and hearing a lot of Spanish voices which he found rather unusual.
He later found out the Spanish people were visiting the town and some of those injured had to be airlifted home by the Royal Spanish Airforce.
Mr Gallagher believes a similar conference for victims of terrorism should have been organised in Northern Ireland years ago.
"There are victims from nine-eleven in New York, Columbia, Russia, France and Spain at the conference. It is important that families affected by terrorism can meet and share their experience and learn from each other."
The Spanish conference was opened by the Prince of Spain and was held in conjunction with San Pablo University. Before addressing the high profile conference, Mr Gallagher said it was amazing that while in Northern Ireland there had been 4,000 plus victims of terrorism, the Government has not recognised the victim's plight.
During his stay in Spain, Mr Gallagher and his wife were among a group invited to lunch with the Spanish Prime Minister.
Concluding he said, "I think in this country those affected by terrorism have been treated with utmost respect and consideration. I hope our politicians can learn from this."
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1743
Published Date: 29-Jan-04
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