SIR John Major – Prime Minister at the time of the Warrington bombings in 1993 – has won praise from key figures in the town after making a surprise donation to the town’s Peace Centre.
The former Premier wrote a thoughtful article for “The Times” yesterday on the Queen’s historic visit to Ireland – and donated his fee to the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace.
Colin and Wendy Parry (pictured) – parents of Tim Parry, who was killed in the bombings along with Johnathan Ball – said: “Sir John was Prime Minister at the time of the Warrington bombing and has, ever since, been both a friend of our family and a keen supporter of the Foundation in his capacity as a Patron.
“Sir John was deeply affected by the tragedy in Warrington and was pivotal in building a solid base with the Irish government and politicians in Northern Ireland on which the eventual Good Friday Agreement was built by his successor, Tony Blair.
“We are indebted to Sir John for all he has done personally and politically.”
John Gartside, (below) chairman of Warrington Primary Care Trust, who was leader of the borough council at the time of the bombing, also praised Sir John.
He said: “It is, I feel, a tribute to the generosity and courtesy of the man. Also, of all the politicians who has engaged with the Peace Centre, he along with Mo Mowlem, has been the most consistent and enthusiastic in his support and encouragement.”
In his article, Sir John praises the Queen and many “unsung heroes” for the part they have played in ending years of conflict between Britain and Ireland.
He said: “The relationship between London and Dublin is better today than it has ever been. The Queen’s visit has lifted an old and dark shadow, cemented a modern relationship and prepared the ground for a fertile future.”
He added: The Queen’s programme was risky, and elements of it were controversial, but it was skilfully designed to recognise important and painful elements in our shared history.
“The significance of its success is that history should no longer be an issue between us. It is not forgotten but it can now be put aside. It still stirs ancient emotions but the British and Irish relationship is now strong enough to handle them. We can deal with one another to create a better future, for both our nations, without history getting in the way.”
