Speaking after attending the Commemorative Exhibition at Shankill Methodist Church, TUV leader Jim Allister said:
“Among the many cruel incidents of mass murder at the hands of wicked terrorists, the Shankill bombing of 1993 still stands out as an act of indescribable sectarian horror.”
“My thoughts, like those of so many, are this week very much with the families of the nine innocent victims who for 25 years have lived every day as a day of huge loss. The vile wickedness of the IRA murderers does not wane with time. Let it never be forgotten that those who planted this bomb – like every bomber – choose to be terrorists and victim-makers, while none of their innocent victims choose to be victims. Therein abides an unalterable distinction.
“Yet, the Shankill bombing crystallises, not just the wickedness of the bombers but the wickedness of the prevailing definition of ‘victim’ which equates murderer Kelly with those he murdered. Unless and until that perversion is reversed there will never be a basis of progress for innocent victims.
“Having visited the very poignant exhibition, I wish to commend all who contributed to it. It is a most dignified and timely tribute to those whose lives were taken on that awful day in October 1993.”
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