Video: Teenager hits out at Maze plan

Danielle Hamilton from the Lissan Road in the town spoke to the Mid Ulster Mail on Monday as she packed her suitcase for the eight-day trip to the Global Terrorism and Peace Conference in Philadelphia.

Having just celebrated her 16th birthday last week, Danielle never had the chance to meet her grandfather David Graham, who was murdered by the IRA in 1977.

She says her mother Serene has struggled to come to terms with the horrific murder.

“I didn’t get the love and affection from my grandfather,” said Danielle.

“I have had to see my mother deal with her loss and it has affected her since and it has affected me.

“Her illness and not being well is obviously a sign of what happened to her.

“I don’t think there is very much that I can do to help her.

“It is a very hard situation to deal with. I don’t know if politicians realise how much it has affected people.”

Danielle who also atteneded last year’s peace conference in America, hit out at the Maze peace centre plan.

“To have a place where terrorists are glorified and where murderers are put on a pedestal as if to be worshipped, that is totally wrong, that is my opinion.”

Danielle travelled over to the US with Rebecca Carson from Maguiresbridge to represent the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) and Justice for Innocent Victims of Terrorism Ltd (JIVT) .

“It is very exciting to be going back, one my friends who I met last year is going to be there.”

The families of Danielle and Rebecca are funding the trip to the US . To offer your support - call 6772 3884.