New Poppy Day picture tribute fails to appease

An alternative photographic tribute to the work of firefighters who helped in the aftermath of the 1987 Enniskillen bomb atrocity has gone on display at the town's fire station, provoking fury.

Four months ago the original montage of victims was removed in a dispute over concerns it breached equality guidelines.

Colin Larnmey, chief fire officer at the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, said it was removed to maintain an inclusive working environment for firefighters and community.

The tribute featured victims of the 1987 Remembrance Day bomb and was put up by fire crews who worked in the aftermath. Relatives and survivors protested outside the station ahead of the 20th anniversary of the atrocity.

Mr Lammey said: "Our efforts to resolve the issue locally have been unsuccessful. Following meetings between senior management and firefighters to resolve the issue, following clear guidance given by NIFRS management in relation to an acceptable solution, it is disappointing that an agreement could not be reached locally."

Mr Lammey added: "I have taken the decision to display an alternative photographic tribute and this has been placed on the wall of Enniskillen fire station."

He said the replacement picture acknowledges the work of firefighters from Enniskillen and neighbouring fire stations, as well as the 12 people who were killed and many others injured.

DUP MLA Arlene Foster said she understands angered fire fighters in Enniskillen are not happy with the new picture.

"I had arranged to meet with Mr Lammey next Monday in relation to equality issues," she said.

Mrs Foster added that she was assured by the Equality Commission that no advice had been given to NIFRS. "I am interested in whether they (NIFRS) followed the correct procedure when they took down the
photo montage as soon as they got the complaint," she said.

"It means that one person has a veto. I believe this is not what the Equality Commission would advise. My own belief is that this is not what equality legislation is about - giving a veto to one side of the community or other," Mrs Foster added.

DUP peer Lord Morrow, MLA, said it was a farcical action to appease a minority. He claimed: "This was nothing more than yet another attempt to wipe out the unpleasant parts of Northern Ireland history to appease those who refuse to accept otherwise."

Lord Morrow demanded to know what could cause offence with the original picture.

Tom Elliott, UUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, was angered and worried about the reaction of relatives who, he fears, will think it is a slap in the face to those who died.

He said: "I don't see what the harm was in the other picture. In fact I had been led to believe there was an agreement made with the firefighters to put the original picture back up." 14th February 2008 News Letter