United in common mission

How sad to see anti-peace process elements explode a bomb at Garvan O'Doherty's Da Vinci complex in Derry – and just days after our Boston delegation had received such a warm welcome there.

No doubt this is the pathetic response of those opposed to peace to the Clinton Visit, to the Derry City of Culture breakthrough and to the progress being made in the city courtesy of ILEX and others.

Sill, as Garvan stated after the bombing, dialogue must continue with those who are trying to blast us back into a horrific past even as they are made to understand that, as he said, the vast majority of us in the North are on "a mission" to promote peace, prosperity and a better future. He added: "The vast majority are focused on the partnership approach to peace. This will not detract those of us who want a stable society."

We don't want our young people to be directed down a cul-de-sac which can lead only to misery for them and their families.

Rep. Eugene O'Flaherty texts me to say he has already spoken to Garvan earlier today to give him the best wishes of his Boston visit and to commend him on his resolve. Fortunately, no-one was injured in the bomb and while the attack is a setback to the city, bricks and mortar can be replaced and confidence rebuilt.