BOMB VICTIM'S FATHER URGES POLICITICIANS TO MORE FORWARD
Bomb victim's father urges politicians to move forward
THE father of one of the victims of the Omagh bombing has called for the new millennium to be a "turning point" in Northern Ireland, with an end to all forms of violence and the start of real political progress.
Mr. Michael Gallagher, whose son Adrian was killed in the bomb, was speaking following Friday's launch in Omagh of the Millennium Festival.
He thanked the Millennium Company for choosing the town to start the celebrations, and all the artistes who gave of their time and support to the people of Omagh.
But he went on: "It is with great sadness that, after the pain of August 1998, we have not moved on to a normal society with a modern democracy.
"I would call on all political parties, and particularly those that are being influenced by paramilitaries, to redouble their efforts to recreate a stable society, so that all people, whatever their views, can live together in peace."
Mr. Gallagher said hopefully there would soon be an atmosphere where children could play and mothers could shop, without worrying about their lives being shattered by the noise of bullets or bombs.
"It is the responsibility of the politicians to move forward with the urgency that is needed, and have the courage at this historic time. We will not accept another 30 years of wasted life and tragedy," he said.
"On this day when we are taking the first step into a new millennium, let it be a turning point in our lives and give us the confidence of knowing that there will be no repetitions of past tragedies and negative attitudes."
For the people of Omagh, and all the victims of violence over the years, the millennium should mean an end to all forms of violence, with the political parties forming democratic structures and engaging in real and meaningful political dialogue, he said.
"Everyone desires peace, but on their terms. Meanwhile, lives are lost and families destroyed.
Maybe terms will change when it becomes a more personal fight for peace, and there is a spare chair at the table."
THE father of one of the victims of the Omagh bombing has called for the new millennium to be a "turning point" in Northern Ireland, with an end to all forms of violence and the start of real political progress.
Mr. Michael Gallagher, whose son Adrian was killed in the bomb, was speaking following Friday's launch in Omagh of the Millennium Festival.
He thanked the Millennium Company for choosing the town to start the celebrations, and all the artistes who gave of their time and support to the people of Omagh.
But he went on: "It is with great sadness that, after the pain of August 1998, we have not moved on to a normal society with a modern democracy.
"I would call on all political parties, and particularly those that are being influenced by paramilitaries, to redouble their efforts to recreate a stable society, so that all people, whatever their views, can live together in peace."
Mr. Gallagher said hopefully there would soon be an atmosphere where children could play and mothers could shop, without worrying about their lives being shattered by the noise of bullets or bombs.
"It is the responsibility of the politicians to move forward with the urgency that is needed, and have the courage at this historic time. We will not accept another 30 years of wasted life and tragedy," he said.
"On this day when we are taking the first step into a new millennium, let it be a turning point in our lives and give us the confidence of knowing that there will be no repetitions of past tragedies and negative attitudes."
For the people of Omagh, and all the victims of violence over the years, the millennium should mean an end to all forms of violence, with the political parties forming democratic structures and engaging in real and meaningful political dialogue, he said.
"Everyone desires peace, but on their terms. Meanwhile, lives are lost and families destroyed.
Maybe terms will change when it becomes a more personal fight for peace, and there is a spare chair at the table."
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1400
Published Date: 09-Sep-99
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