Ross Hussey, Ulster Unionist MLA for West Tyrone remembers innocent victims of terrorism in Omagh and Castlederg.
Mr Hussey said;
"As we approach the 15th anniversary of the Omagh bombing our thoughts must be with the families who lost loved ones and those who still bear the scars of that terrible day. Fifteen years may seem like a long time to some people, but to the people of Omagh the 15th August 1998 will always be seared in our memories as the day terrorists came to our town and blew it apart.
"31 souls were lost on that day, men women and children and unborn twins. The crime was unforgivable and no cause can be worth that price.
"Incredibly, this year’s commemoration of the Omagh bombing will be held on the same day that Sinn Fein will be holding an event in Castlederg to remember terrorist bombers. Have they no shame?
"It must not be forgotten that Castlederg was once known as the most bombed town in Northern Ireland where 29 lives were lost as a result of terrorist actions. Castlederg remembers all those who died, and to make matters worse, as with Omagh, the terrorists who committed the crimes are still 'at large'.
"There is no equivalence between the murder of innocent victims and the death of terrorists. The two men who are being specifically remembered in Castlederg died as they transported a bomb into the town. How many other people would have died had they succeeded? How many other attacks would they have been involved in has they lived?
"My thoughts are with my townsfolk in Omagh and also with the innocent people of Castlederg.”