Friday, November 18, 2005

here is another story that shows that northern ireland people are being pushed aside in an attempt to pretend its all flowers and rainbows and in a land of make beliel we would be so much better in a united ireland
A row has erupted after photographs of the Enniskillen Poppy Day bombing victims were removed from an Ulster ambulance depot.
The montage of pictures, which was erected in tribute to Kitchener Johnston, a former member of staff at the Enniskillen ambulance depot, was apparently taken down after a member of staff claimed it was offensive.
Mr Johnston (70) died alongside his wife Jessie, also aged 70, when an IRA bomb exploded as crowds gathered at the Cenotaph in Enniskillen on Remembrance Sunday in 1987. Eleven people were killed in the no-warning blast and 63 were injured.
Ulster Unionist peer Lord Maginnis has said he would be demanding an explanation as to why the photograph was taken down.
Speaking from the House of Lords, he said its removal was a "sad reflection on our society".
South Tyrone DUP MLA Arlene Foster claimed the photograph was removed after a member of staff claimed it was offensive.
"I am completely disgusted by this decision coming, as it does, on the 18th anniversary of the bomb," she said.
"This photograph was placed in the depot as a tribute to Mr Johnston and also as a permanent reminder of that fateful day when so many from the area lost their lives.
"This decision shows a complete lack of respect for those who lost their lives in the IRA bomb.
"I will now be seeking an urgent meeting with the Ambulance Service to discuss this decision and voice my opposition to it."
Fermanagh and South Tyrone's SDLP MLA Tommy Gallagher said the removal of the photograph was "cultural aggression".
He said: "Because of the community division here I believe the workplace should be free from flags, emblems and party politics.
"However, a photograph of people killed in the Enniskillen bomb in 1987 should not in any way be a cause of offence. This incident coming at the time of the anniversary will be hurtful to his family and friends and many others here in Fermanagh.
"It will also add to the despair of many victims - and we have many on both sides - about their needs being taken seriously."
A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: "The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has been made aware of an issue at Enniskillen station.
"An internal investigation is now under way in an effort to resolve the matter."



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