Responses to the Omagh bomb, 15 August 1998

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.

Three days after the murders, the Real IRA issued an admission of responsibility and apology for its bomb attack. This apology prompted another outpouring of comment. .
Seamus Mallon, SDLP and Deputy First Minister	It is an attempt to excuse the inexcusable. Murder can never be excused or justified. The people of Northern Ireland will treat the statement and its authors with the contempt they deserve
Mo Mowlam, Northern Ireland Secretary	It is a pathetic attempt at an excuse for mass murder. It is contemptable and it is an insult to the people of Omagh.
Peter Robinson, DUP	[It is] more of a threat than an apology.
Ronnie Flanaghan, RUC	This is a pathetic attempt to justify or shift the blame for the murder of 28 men, women and children. It should be treated with the contempt it deserves.
> Next > The Day of Reflection >