Tuesday 11th November 2003

The planting of a hoax bomb at the home of the Mayor of Derry, Councillor Sean Gallagher, is a deplorable action which has united the city in its revulsion and in its determination to leave behind the bankrupt ways of violence.

I strongly commend the Mayor for his decision to attend the Remembrance Day Ceremony on Sunday in his desire to represent the wider community in this way, and I deplore any attempt to target or to intimidate him for having done so.

The Mayor’s action has been transparent, positive, forward-looking and inclusive, whereas those who plant bombs at night are shadowy and hidden people who rely on the worn out ways of fear, sectarianism and violence.

Pastorally, I express my concern for the members of the Gallagher family and their neighbours who had to endure considerable trauma and disruption last night.