IRA victim's father to meet Adams

The Peace Foundation was inspired by the Warrington bombing

The father of a 12-year-old boy killed by the IRA in Warrington in 1993 is to meet Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams for the first time.

Colin Parry, whose son Tim was killed in the bomb blast, has created the Foundation For Peace based in the town to press for an end to violence.

It works with victims of political violence and paramilitary fighters.

Mr Parry has said that meeting Mr Adams will be "a challenge" but a "vital step" both for him and the foundation.

The charitable foundation was set up in memory of Mr Parry's son, and three-year-old Jonathan Ball, who was also killed in the blast.

Mr Parry said the work of the past 12 years was a "positive outcome from a tragic event".

'No apology'

He said: "I want Gerry Adams to realise that, despite the loss of my son, we've achieved a great deal.

"Personally, meeting Gerry Adams is a challenge for me. I can't say it'll be easy - it may not be easy for him, either. But I've got to face him, speak to him."

We would work with Osama Bin Laden for peace talks Colin Parry

Mr Parry said he was not looking for the Sinn Fein leader to make amends for the loss of his son at the London meeting.

"I don't want an apology, I don't expect an apology. That is not on the agenda, if I got one it wouldn't mean anything.

"I can't do much about the pain my family and I have been through in the past but if we can do something to help that will be for the greater good.

"If it stops other people being injured or killed we will have achieved something."

He added: "The trust, set up by my wife and I, will work with anyone or any organisation if it means less people become victims and peace is achieved.

"I'd even go far as to say we would work with Osama Bin Laden for peace talks."

Mr Adams said: "The peace process in Ireland has come a long way - of course it is not over and there is much work still to be done - particularly in the field of victims, truth and reconciliation.

"I look forward to meeting Colin Parry and sharing with him and those attending the event my hopes for the future."