District urged to support Paris after attacks

District urged to support Paris after attacks

18 November 2015

KILLYLEAGH teenager James Savage found the horrific scenes in Paris which were beamed into his home last Friday evening hard to comprehend.

The 16 year-old Down High School student could not avert his gaze from the television screen and sat up into the early hours of Saturday morning watching rolling news coverage as the devastating scale of the terrorist attacks in the French capital slowly started to emerge.

The massacre of 132 people and the injuries sustained by over 350 others, scores of them life-threatening, had a profound impact on the A-level student who made contact with Newry, Mourne and Down Council chief executive, Liam Hannaway last Saturday, asking that books of condolence be opened.

The teenager believed it was important books were available to provide local people with an opportunity to pay their respects to those in France and show their support for Parisians and all nationalities caught up in the bloody events.

As thousands gathered in Paris on Monday to pay their respects at the cafes, bars and restaurants where the mass shootings unfolded, James was at the Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick signing a book of condolence. Other books have been opened at the local council’s Downshire Civic Centre headquarters and at the St Patrick Centre in the town.

James said Mr Hannaway got back to him almost immediately when he emailed his weekend request confirming he would liaise with the council chairwoman, Naomi Bailie, and that “measures would be taken accordingly.”

James continued: “I was horrified by what I saw on the streets of Paris last Friday night. While what was happening was truly awful I could not stop watching, thinking about the families of those whose loved ones had died. What happened was shocking and it was really hard to take in.

“I was very moved by the images flashing across the television screen and when I discovered Belfast City Council was opening a Book of Condolence I contacted Mr Hannaway. I believe it’s important people in our area have an opportunity to sign such a book and am pleased that a number have now been provided.”

James is also encouraging young people across the district to sign the books to show their support and solidarity with the people of France at this time.

“A number of young people were killed and injured in these atrocities and I think it is important their peers make the most of the opportunity they are being given to express their condolences to the people of Paris and families who have lost loved ones,” he continued.

“I have no doubt the upsetting scenes the world witnessed last weekend had a major impact on many people. It is difficult to get your head around the magnitude of what happened; it was horrifying.”

The teenager, who is keen to pursue a career in politics, said signing a book of condolence is an effective way for people of all ages to join together and convey their support for the people of Paris.

The council chairwoman said the books of condolence will allow local people to express their solidarity and best wishes to the people of Paris. 

“I offer my condolences to the French people and the family and friends of all those who have lost their lives,” said Ms. Bailie. “I also ask that people do not forget all the many other injustices which occur across the world on a daily basis and often go unreported.”

St Patrick Centre Director, Dr. Tim Campbell, said the facility opened a book of condolence following the 9/11 attacks in America.

He explained the Centre has done so again to allow local people to pass on their thoughts and prayers to the people of Paris following last Friday night’s events. The book will remain open until 5pm this Saturday before being forwarded to the French government.