President Bill Clinton visits Omagh to pay his respects to the people of a grieving town.
On Saturday 15 August 1998 a car bomb exploded in Omagh, County Tyrone killing 29 people and injuring hundreds more. Many dignitaries have visited the town since the bombing and today it was the turn of the US President Bill Clinton.
Local woman Jacinta Hackett welcomes President Clinton to the town so long as he has come to sympathise with the people of Omagh and not for political gain.
The people of Omagh are absolutely devastated and heartbroken over this, both Catholics and Protestants.
Lawrence Rushe, who lost his wife Libby (Elizabeth) in the bombing, also welcomes the President.
I know he's coming here for me and the other people.
Special security barriers were erected throughout the town and long queues of people lined the streets. The only people allowed to attend the ceremony were those with a special invitation including many of the medical and emergency workers who treated the injured on the day of the bombing.
President Bill Clinton mixed amongst the people of Omagh to express his sympathies. He also took the time to thank the medical and emergency workers in person.
The mood may have been sombre but the welcome was warm.
Ulster Unionist Party MP Willie Thompson believes that the President's visit has provided a morale boost for the town. Seán Clarke, Sinn Féin, also sees the visit as positive for the town.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 3 September 1998. The reporter is Charlie Bird.
