Omagh bomb survivor urges politicians to get back to work

A woman who suffered serious burns in the Omagh bombing has urged Stormont's warring politicians to return to Government to ensure the slaughter is not repeated.

Donna Marie McGillion required reconstructive surgery following the August 1998 Real IRA attack which left 29 dead, including someone pregnant with twins.

She was among around 50 victims of the car bombing who met the Prince of Wales in the town on Wednesday.

Royal visit to Northern Ireland
Royal visit to Northern Ireland

She said: "It is good to know that people don't want another Omagh, so therefore they remember Omagh and we are going to make sure that another Omagh never happens again.

"Hopefully maybe our politicians might catch that on now, on the 20th anniversary, and get Stormont back up and running so we can have a proper country run by our own politicians.

"That would be what I would be hoping we might see realised."

Stormont has not sat for months in a row over the place of the Irish language and other identity issues.

After the bombing Mrs McGillion was given only a slim chance of pulling through and spent six weeks in a coma.

She suffered burns to most of her body and required many surgeries over several years.

She said having Charles in the town was special.

"It was just really nice and heartwarming, because the world has not forgotten and as time goes on you think that they do forget.

"But nobody really forgets, we will always deeply remember our loved ones and those that were here but also those that are injured.

"We go through pain every day.

"It is lovely to know that people still remember that."

Royal visit to Northern Ireland
Royal visit to Northern Ireland

There were emotional scenes on Wednesday as the prince and duchess met families of the dead, paramedics, firefighters and police officers who had to deal with the carnage.

Charles and Camilla walked up the main street of the Co Tyrone market town past the site of the blast.

The shopping street was lined with well-wishers who cheered the royal couple and waved flags.

Charles also met hospital nurses who treated dozens of victims.

All bar two were stabilised.

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