Monday, June 25, 2012

Queen In Enniskillen Before Historic Handshake!

 The Queen will visit Enniskillen, the scene of one of the worst atrocities of The Troubles, on the eve of her historic handshake with Martin McGuinness.
Eleven people died in the IRA bombing of the war memorial on Remembrance Sunday 1987.
Their relatives have said they are relieved the controversial meeting is taking place in Belfast, and not in the border town.
Stephen Gault, who lost his father, said: "Nobody has been brought to justice for Enniskillen so it's very hard for the families to accept Mr McGuinness shaking the Queen's hand."
Rev David Cupples, the local Presbyterian minister, lost seven members of his congregation in the explosion. He said people had mixed views on what has been billed as a breakthrough.
Martin McGuinness/Gerry Adams.
Martin McGuinness said he was 'stretching out the hand of peace'
He said: "Until there is an apology, there'll never be closure on an emotional level but when you look to the bigger picture, people probably can see that it would be worthwhile."
Mr McGuinness, now Deputy First Minister, was the alleged commander of the IRA's northern unit. He has always denied any involvement in what became known as the 'Poppy Day Massacre'.
Liam Clarke, who has written extensively on the Northern Ireland conflict, said it was ironic Her Majesty was visiting Enniskillen on the eve of her encounter with Mr McGuinness.
"He denies being in the IRA at that stage but most historians would say that Martin McGuinness was effectively the leading figure, the OC of northern command at that time".
Peace has transformed Enniskillen, with the Protestant cathedral hosting a jubilee service and the Roman Catholic church, opposite, an informal gathering.
And no one here ever thought they would see the day when both communities welcomed the Queen.
Mr McGuinness has said of the meeting with the monarch – a scenario unthinkable until recently - that it will allow him to "symbolically" shake the hands of "hundreds of thousands of unionists".

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