Omagh bomb victim’s father calls for end to impasse
THE father of one of the Omagh bombing victims has marked the
20th anniversary of the explosion by urging Northern Ireland’s political leaders to reach agreement so “we can move forward”.
Michael Gallagher’s son Aiden was one of 29 people killed when a car bomb ripped through Omagh on August 15, 1998.
Responsibility for the atrocity was claimed by a republican splinter group known as the Real IRA.
Relatives of the dead gathered in a memorial garden in the County Tyrone town yesterday for an interdenominational remembrance service.
In his speech, Mr Gallagher paid tribute to all the victims of the
30-year Northern Ireland conflict.
Mr Gallagher, who is the spokesman for the Omagh Support and Self Help Group, also said that, as a small province, Northern Ireland was currently facing its greatest challenges.
He added: “We would appeal to the political parties to seek agreement so that we can move forward.
“Working alone we can achieve very little but, in collaborative ventures, we can achieve a great deal.
“We, as a community, have paid the highest price... let us not forget we need to make this work, showing strength, courage and leadership.”
Former Omagh Council chief executive John Mckinney told the families and friends of those who were killed in the bombing they have shown “courage and leadership”.
“It was a struggle, a daily struggle, and I’m sure 20 years is more like 100 years,” he said.
“It’s also encouraging to see such a tremendous turnout, not just today, but over the last 20 years. That’s an indication of the spirit of the people of Omagh, the co-operation of the people of Omagh and the support they give and continue to give.”
Ireland’s Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the UK’S Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley were both criticised for their decision not to attend the 20th anniversary gathering.
In a statement, Ms Bradley said: “I would like to express my deepest sympathy to those affected by the devastating Omagh bombing ahead of the 20th anniversary this week.”