Political reactions to Omagh car bomb
Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein President
“Firstly I want to condenmn what happened in Omagh this afternoon.
While not all of the infromation has yet come to light in relation to this incident it is understood that a young man has lost his life. I want to send my condolences to his family at this hugely traumatic time.
Sinn Féin is determined that those responsible will not set back the progress of the Peace and Political Process’.”
Gerry Adams statement
Margaret Ritchie, SDLP leader
“Those responsible are enemies of Ireland and enemies of peace. Their actions will not untie Ireland but will only unite people in their condemnation of their murder. This has not only stunned the people of Omagh, it has stunned the entire country.
“This is not what the people want. They cannot be allowed to continue their campaign.”
Margaret Ritchie statement
Tom Elliott, Ulster Unionist Party leader
“I totally condemn the evil and cowardly attack which took place in Omagh this afternoon. The people responsible for the attack have one aim and one aim alone – to take Northern Ireland back to the dark days of the past. All of us have a duty to ensure they do not succeed.
“The deliberate targeting of a new recruit to the Police by these criminals is utterly reprehensible and I would call on anyone with any information regarding the attack to come forward to the Police immediately. It is beyond question that there are those who are giving shelter to these so called dissidents and it is incumbent on them to do the right thing and give them up.
“The callous murder of this young officer will come as a great shock to the local community and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues at this time.”
Tom Elliott statement
Stephen Farry, Alliance Party Justice spokeperson
“The thoughts and prayers of people right across the community in Northern Ireland will be with the family of this brave officer.
“This was a most despicable and cowardly attack. It is more than just an attack on an individual police officer but an attack on the entire community. In turn, the entire community will be united in rejecting and thwarting those men of violence who are seeking to drag us back to the dark past from which society is emerging.”
“If anybody has any information about this murder then I would urge them to contact the police.”
