NEW MILLENNIUM SHOULD MARK THE END OF ALL VIOLENCE
New Millennium should mark the end of all violence - Michael Gallagher
THE Chairman of the Omagh Self Help and Support Group has praised the Millennium Company for choosing the town to launch celebrations to mark the year 2000.
Michael Gallagher - whose son Adrian was among the victims of the bombing - also renewed his appeal to politicians to strive for peace in a bid to break away from "thirty years of wasted life and tragedy."
Mr Gallagher offered thanks to all artistes who had given their time and support to the people of Omagh.
"It is with great sadness that after the pain of August 1998, that 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 that on the day when people were taking their first step into a new Millennium, it should also be a turning point away from past tragedies and negative attitudes.
"For the people of Omagh and the victims of violence over the past thirty years, the Millennium would mean there would be an end to all forms of violence, and for the political parties to form democratic structures and engage in real and meaningful political dialogue.
"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.
"Will peace be your number one priority for the new Millennium or do you have to suffer like so many before you?" he added.
THE Chairman of the Omagh Self Help and Support Group has praised the Millennium Company for choosing the town to launch celebrations to mark the year 2000.
Michael Gallagher - whose son Adrian was among the victims of the bombing - also renewed his appeal to politicians to strive for peace in a bid to break away from "thirty years of wasted life and tragedy."
Mr Gallagher offered thanks to all artistes who had given their time and support to the people of Omagh.
"It is with great sadness that after the pain of August 1998, that 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 that on the day when people were taking their first step into a new Millennium, it should also be a turning point away from past tragedies and negative attitudes.
"For the people of Omagh and the victims of violence over the past thirty years, the Millennium would mean there would be an end to all forms of violence, and for the political parties to form democratic structures and engage in real and meaningful political dialogue.
"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.
"Will peace be your number one priority for the new Millennium or do you have to suffer like so many before you?" he added.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1306
Published Date: 09-Sep-99
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