It was a week ago today that the peace on this island was shattered by the bomb blast in Omagh, the most appalling act of terrorism in Northern Ireland's grim history. A total of 28 dead including grandmothers, pregnant mothers, children, babies - and over 200 wounded. It has been a week of tears, indescribable grief and funerals. Today, throughout the island, people will gather in ecumenical services to pray for the dead, the injured and the grief-stricken. The President, Mrs McAleese, who travelled to Omagh last Sunday to express her condolences personally, will return for the local service being held there. Fittingly, she will be in the company not just of the people of Omagh but also of the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, of Northern Ireland's First Minister, Mr Trimble and Deputy First Minister, Mr Mallon.
The atrocity manifested a swift response from the Government of this State. It will enact the most significant extension of the emergency legislation in over 20 years; severe measures but essential. The Taoiseach last night pointed out that the Government had to "respond to the security and political challenge represented by the Omagh outrage". The British government must look to the the legislation in Northern Ireland and ensure that the security forces there are assisted comprehensively. Mr Ahern, speaking to the Humbert Summer School, also gave some valuable pointers for the political path ahead. In implementing the Belfast Agreement, he said: "it is essential to avoid introducing new, formal preconditions that are not in the agreement. Equally, all of what is in the agreement must be implemented and in the spirit as well as in the letter. The provisions on de-escalation of security measures have to be implemented, so also must those on co-operation with the Independent Commission on Decommissioning".
Mr Ahern is clearly signalling that it would not be appropriate to force the pace on decommissioning but, at the same time, he advises that it must receive the co-operation of all. In regard to the nationalist community, Mr Ahern said that "difficult as it may be for some in the light of their experience, Nationalists have to display a magnanimity that was rarely shown to them". In other words they must show generosity, flexibility and understanding. They must reach out and encourage those of the Unionist community who have had the courage to go down the road of moderation and reconciliation.
The murders in Omagh were intended to divide the people of Northern Ireland, to set them against each other once again. But the result, quite clearly, has been the reverse and from this there must spring great hope. Also encouraging, are the signs that the paramilitaries themselves may have found the atrocity repulsive and brought fresh consideration to their modus operandi. The `Real IRA' is considering a permanent ceasefire, the INLA is expected to announce a ceasefire from tonight.
At a terrible price, the Omagh bombing may just convince the terrorists that there is no future - and no support - for a military campaign. Nicola Emery, a 22-year-old, was wounded in the bombing as was her mother who is still in hospital. Nicola is a Protestant, her partner, Michael, is a Catholic. Yesterday, Nicola gave birth to a baby girl and expressed the deep wish that their child will grow up in a land of peace. People throughout Ireland will pray today that her wish is granted.