NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      BELFAST (CWNews.com) -- In the aftermath of a brutal bombing in Omagh, in Northern Ireland, political and religious leaders of all descriptions hastened to condemn the violence and to emphasize their commitment to the peace process.

      The bombing, which left 28 people dead and 200 injured, is the worst such incident in the history of "the troubles." The victims include five young girls and one 18-month-old baby.

      Father Eugene Hasson, the Catholic chaplain at the town's hospital, said: "There is no one in Omagh who has not been affected by this to a greater or lesser degree. Everybody knows somebody who was either killed yesterday or injured in the bombing.

      "Some of those directly affected will only be hit by the full force of this later this week," Father Hasson added. "It is almost too awful to contemplate.

      British Prime Minister Tony Blair joined Irish President Mary McAleese in condemning the bombing, urging all parties to restrain, and promising to seek the quick apprehension of those responsible.

      Archbishop Sean Brady of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland, said: "I am appalled, shocked and deeply saddened by this dreadful atrocity." Pope John Paul II said: "My earnest hope for that beloved country is that the Irish people of good will will not succumb to violence and that they will persevere with determination in building that peaceful coexistence on which the whole future depends,"

      Gerry Adams, the president of Sinn Fein, said "I condemn the bombing without any equivocation whatsoever." It was the first time he had condemned a Republican bombing.

      Martin McGuinness, a spokesman for Sinn Fein, echoed Adams' sentiment. "I am appalled and disgusted at what has happened in Omagh," he said. "It was an indefensible action.... This appalling act was carried out by those opposed to the peace process. It is designed to wreck the process and everyone should work to ensure the peace process continues."