The bomb provoked an outpouring of condemnation from all
sides of the community, both in Northern Ireland and around the world. A few of the
responses are given here.
. |
| Gerry Adams, President, Sinn Fein |
I am totally horrifed by this action. I condemn it without any
equivocation whatsoever. |
| Bertie Ahern, Prime Minister, Republic of Ireland |
It is a ghastly act; a cruel act.... [We will] ruthlessly suppress those
reponsible for the attack.... This is the most evil deed in years. From our point of view
, we will continue to work in dealing with this particular group, with the RUC and the
Gardai. |
| Tony Blair, Prime Minister, United Kingdom |
[This is] an appalling act of savagery... There is total determination to
bring the perpetrators to justice but an equal determinatiion that they will not be
allowed to destroy the process. |
| John Bruton, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Ireland |
[The] people who perpetrated the Omagh bombing are addicted to violence
and have no place in a civilised society. |
| Bill Clinton, President, USA |
On behalf of every American I condemn this butchery, and hope that the
culprits will be brought to justice quickly. I extend our deep sympathy to those affected
by this tragedy. I renew my pledge to stand with the people of Northern Ireland against
the perpetrators of violence. They will find no friends here. |
| John Dixon, Presbyterisn Moderator |
[There must be] decisive action... [to stop the] terrorists who are
committed to bringing death and destruction. |
| Ronnie Flanaghan, Chief Constable, RUC |
The sort of people who would plant this device... aren't interested in
anything other than murder... I can only come to the conclusion that bloody murder was
their intent. |
| Cardinal Basil Hume, Archbishop of Westminster |
To bring such sadness and suffering to the people of Omagh at this stage
is a crime against humanity. |
| John Hume, Leader, SDLP |
It is clear that the people who carried out this terrible deed today are
not only appalling murderers, they are undiluted fascists. |
| Ken Maginnis, Security Spokesman, UUP |
[This is a] dreadful crime against humanity. |
| Mary McAleese, President, Republic of Ireland |
The hopes and dreams of so many families have been shattered. |
| Robert McCartney, Leader, UKUP |
[I] demand an immediate security response and the end of the release of
terrorist prisoners. |
| John McFall, Diplomat, Northern Ireland Office |
I can scarcely take in the devastation in a small market town.... a
barbarity committed to a community that is committed to peace. We are not allowing a
minority... to stop a process that the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland want. |
| Martin McGuinness, Sinn Fein |
It was an indefensible action. Those responsible are aligning themselves
with the forces opposed to a democratic settlement of the conflict here. |
| Queen Elizabeth 2nd |
I was shocked to hear of the appalling crime in Omagh, which resulted in
so many deaths and injuries. Please pass on my heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved, injured
and those others who have suffered in their distress. |
| Peter Robinson, DUP |
It is the NIO who spawned the process of buying off the terrorists and
encouraging the gun. |
| David Trimble, Leader of UUP, First Minister |
This atrocity would not have happened if the IRA had handed over its
weapons and explosives. Sinn Fein cannot escape its responsibility in this bloody
atrocity. |
| Head, Tyrone County Hospital, Omagh |
This is the most horrific event in the history of Northern Ireland. |
| Prince Charles |
I remember only too well feeling deeply angered when my great-uncle Lord
Mountbatten and other relations were blown to pieces nineteen years ago. I remember so
well feeling that, so I can understand a little some of the feelings perhaps of those who
lost their loved ones on this occasion. |
