10 years ago today Real IRA terrorists slaughtered 29 people and two unborn baby girls when they detonated a bomb in Omagh town centre. A misleading bomb warning phone-call sent people closer to the bomb, further maximising the death toll.

The people murdered by the Real IRA were going about their everyday business on what should have been an ordinary day. They were Irish, British and Spanish. They were many different religions. They were parents, grandparents and children. Twelve of the victims were aged 18 or under.

El Blogador carries a full list of the Omagh bomb victims.

As well as those killed, many survivors were scarred for life, physically and emotionally, their lives would never be the same.

It is time that the Real IRA realise they have no support what-so-ever. Communities do not want them. The PSNI believe there are 80-100 active members. We don’t know what they are fighting for. They are certainly not Irish republicans. They are not fighting for any Irish cause.

On 10th August 1998, Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon, standing in the rubble, said it was the worst carnage he’d seen in 30 years. He said: “I’ve just seen grown policemen standing in their uniforms covered in blood and crying.”

Today, Mark Durkan, leader of the SDLP said: “The Omagh bomb was a dreadful atrocity which epitomised the brutality and futility of all terrorism. Today we remember the horror and the hurt, and honour the memory of all those who were robbed of their lives and their loves on that day.”

Today we remember them. Rest in peace.

SDLP Education Spokesperson Dominic Bradley MLA has congratulated students on their success at A-level and wished them success in their future endeavours and I also thank their teachers and parents for their hard work and support.

Mr Bradley stated:

“Once again students have produced excellent results in their A-level

And I congratulate every student on their individual achievements - each of them has made an important step in their life long learning journey.

It is very heartening that Northern Ireland A-Level students have again outperformed those in England and Wales, with 35.4% gaining an A grade compared to the 25.9% overall figure – an achievement which is contributed to by a variety of schools of different types.

“A-level results continue to improve and it is unfortunate that some have attempted to denigrate the work of students and teachers but I believe that we should salute teachers and pupils for their hard work and dedication which has meant that many ‘A’ Level students have reached their full potential.

“Results day is not an easy time for any student and some students may find that their results unfortunately do not match their expectations. It is important that they contact their careers’ teacher to explore the many possibilities still open to them nad that they do not make hasty decisions. I wish all students well in whatever direction they choose to take.”