Praise for those who died for freedom
Sinn Fein Assembly member and party vice-President, Pat Doherty,
addressing a large crowd at the West Tyrone Republican Graves
Commemoration last Sunday in Strabane accused those behind the
Omagh bombing of attempting to ``sully the names and memories of
those who fought with integrity, dedication and commitment''.
``These republicans, some of them very young, were from East
Donegal, and from West Tyrone areas of Castlederg, Aghyaran,
Clady, Strabane and further afield. All of them died for a just
cause, struggling against British rule in Ireland. That cause is
still vibrant, that cause is still dynamic, that cause still
remains to be fulfilled. They paid the supreme sacrifice; it now
falls upon us to complete the task.
``While we remember them with pride at this time let us also
remember the tragic events which occurred in Omagh just two short
weeks ago.
``I would like to reiterate my condolences and those of Sinn Fein
to those so tragically bereaved by the bomb in Omagh. I would
also wish those injured a speedy recovery.''
Doherty went on to describe the Omagh bombing as ``reprehensible''
and targeted ``solely at ending the peace process which has been
built up so painstakingly over recent years''.
Doherty went on to say it was incumbent on those in politics to
redouble their efforts to reach a political settlement. Not just
for the victims of Omagh. ``Republicans also owe it to our dead
generations and their families that we will do all in our power
to conclude this struggle through peaceful means so that future
generations do not have to suffer the injustices, imprisonment
and ultimate sacrifice which this and previous generations had to
endure.
``The way to prevent conflict is not by passing `Draconian' laws,
which are themselves unjust, but by genuinely addressing the
cause of the conflict and removing them.''
He urged all within the political process, particularly the
unionists, to work for the full implementation of the Good Friday
document.
In conclusion he thanked the West Tyrone Republican Graves
Committee ``for erecting this fine memorial cross and for
organising so thoroughly this annual republican commemoration.''
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