Last week I was present for both of the ten-year commemorations of that terrible day in Omagh on August 15, 1998.

Friday's event was well organised but, for me, as an elected representative of the people, Sunday's commemoration, the annual commemoration organised by the families of the victims, was the more appropriate, moving and poignant ceremony of the two.

Indeed, I felt privileged to stand with, and in support of, the victims' families within our community on Sunday past.

After all, it was the people and families of the area and beyond (not the elected representatives) who lost, or had badly injured and disabled, their loved ones just over ten years ago, thanks to the actions of evil people. (Not 'sick' people, by the way, as many often mistakenly say. Don't insult our sick who would never carry out such an inhuman act or deed.)

I have to say that I was saddened to see that so many of our senior council people and elected public representatives were not present at last Sunday's ten-year anniversary commemoration.

Like those of us elected representatives who did attend, they could have been there on the periphery, in a less prominent role then on the previous Friday, but perhaps that would mean they would be outside the range of the cameras.

Like very many in this district, I too was somewhat unhappy with how our council dealt with the families of the victims over the whole issue of the memorial. However, I was prepared to put those feelings aside and attend both ceremonies. Those within our council, both elected and unelected, should have had the maturity and decency to have done the same.

Dr Kieran Deeny MLA