Menu
13/10/2009
Brighton Bomber At Westminster
One of the most daring - and deadly - republican bomb outrages on the British mainland was remembered last night - while the bomber who was responsible for the attack was today hosted in Westminster.
The memorial service was held to mark the 25th anniversary of the IRA bomb attack on Brighton's Grand Hotel, aimed at the then Conservative Government.
The blast ripped through the Victorian hotel in the East Sussex resort on October 12, 1984, during the Conservative Party conference, killing five people and seriously injuring 34.
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was unharmed despite working on her conference speech inside the hotel at the time of the explosion just before 3am.
Her Cabinet colleague Lord Tebbit was rescued from the rubble alongside his wife Margaret, who was left paralysed.
The couple were among the dignitaries attending the service at St Paul's Parish Church in West Street, Brighton, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives or were injured in the attack.
IRA bomber Patrick Magee was given eight life sentences at the Old Bailey in 1986 for the attack, with a recommendation to serve a minimum of 35 years.
He has since been released from prison under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
Mr Magee is still provoking controversy, as his presence inside London's Parliament Buildings was today condemned as an "appalling insult", coming 25 years after the atrocity.
Patrick Magee attended a function at the House of Commons on Tuesday, organised by the All Parliamentary Group on Conflict Issues and UK-based charity, The Forgiveness Project.
Magee appeared at the Commons alongside Jo Berry, a daughter of Conservative MP Sir Anthony Berry, one of the casualties.
Unionists last night voiced their disapproval at the nature of the high profile appointment for the republican.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell questioned the rationale behind the invitation to the IRA bomber.
TUV Leader Jim Allister also condemned Mr Magee's visit to Parliament.
"It is an appalling insult to every innocent victim but sadly no greater insult than the fact every day at Stormont we have sitting at the heart of government those who masterminded the Brighton bombing," he told the Belfast News Letter.
Meanwhile, one of the Brighton bomb victims, Tory Peer Lord Tebbit, also poured scorn on the IRA bomber, having just yesterday attended the memorial service for those killed and injured.
See: Brighton Bombing Recalled
(BMcC/KMcA)
The memorial service was held to mark the 25th anniversary of the IRA bomb attack on Brighton's Grand Hotel, aimed at the then Conservative Government.
The blast ripped through the Victorian hotel in the East Sussex resort on October 12, 1984, during the Conservative Party conference, killing five people and seriously injuring 34.
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was unharmed despite working on her conference speech inside the hotel at the time of the explosion just before 3am.
Her Cabinet colleague Lord Tebbit was rescued from the rubble alongside his wife Margaret, who was left paralysed.
The couple were among the dignitaries attending the service at St Paul's Parish Church in West Street, Brighton, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives or were injured in the attack.
IRA bomber Patrick Magee was given eight life sentences at the Old Bailey in 1986 for the attack, with a recommendation to serve a minimum of 35 years.
He has since been released from prison under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
Mr Magee is still provoking controversy, as his presence inside London's Parliament Buildings was today condemned as an "appalling insult", coming 25 years after the atrocity.
Patrick Magee attended a function at the House of Commons on Tuesday, organised by the All Parliamentary Group on Conflict Issues and UK-based charity, The Forgiveness Project.
Magee appeared at the Commons alongside Jo Berry, a daughter of Conservative MP Sir Anthony Berry, one of the casualties.
Unionists last night voiced their disapproval at the nature of the high profile appointment for the republican.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell questioned the rationale behind the invitation to the IRA bomber.
TUV Leader Jim Allister also condemned Mr Magee's visit to Parliament.
"It is an appalling insult to every innocent victim but sadly no greater insult than the fact every day at Stormont we have sitting at the heart of government those who masterminded the Brighton bombing," he told the Belfast News Letter.
Meanwhile, one of the Brighton bomb victims, Tory Peer Lord Tebbit, also poured scorn on the IRA bomber, having just yesterday attended the memorial service for those killed and injured.
See: Brighton Bombing Recalled
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Appeal Following Arson Attack In L'Derry
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following a serious arson attack in the Clon Dara area of L'Derry on Saturday, 23 November. Shortly before 8.20pm, police received a report that an accelerant had been used to ignite the front door and letterbox of a house in the area.
Appeal Following Arson Attack In L'Derry
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following a serious arson attack in the Clon Dara area of L'Derry on Saturday, 23 November. Shortly before 8.20pm, police received a report that an accelerant had been used to ignite the front door and letterbox of a house in the area.
19 November 2024
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
15 November 2024
Arson Attack On 5G Mast In West Belfast
Detectives in Belfast are investigating a suspected arson attack on a 5G mast in the Andersonstown Road area. The incident occurred around 9.55pm on Wednesday, November 13th. Detective Sergeant Faulkner confirmed that officers attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who successfully extinguished the blaze.
Arson Attack On 5G Mast In West Belfast
Detectives in Belfast are investigating a suspected arson attack on a 5G mast in the Andersonstown Road area. The incident occurred around 9.55pm on Wednesday, November 13th. Detective Sergeant Faulkner confirmed that officers attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who successfully extinguished the blaze.
29 July 2009
Top Lawyer Ferguson Dies
One of Northern Ireland's most distinguished legal figures who featured in some of the highest-profile criminal cases of the last two decades, has died at the age of 73.
Top Lawyer Ferguson Dies
One of Northern Ireland's most distinguished legal figures who featured in some of the highest-profile criminal cases of the last two decades, has died at the age of 73.
24 February 2005
University of Ulster unveils Magee expansion plan
The University of Ulster today unveiled proposals for the long-term expansion of its Magee campus. A special task force has been formed to drive forward the proposals, which will require extensive consultation and support from partners including Derry City Council, ILEX, central government departments and agencies and other interested parties.
University of Ulster unveils Magee expansion plan
The University of Ulster today unveiled proposals for the long-term expansion of its Magee campus. A special task force has been formed to drive forward the proposals, which will require extensive consultation and support from partners including Derry City Council, ILEX, central government departments and agencies and other interested parties.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
